THREE general practices in Kendal are up for a prestigious national award.

The Kendal Care Home Project has been shortlisted for the Primary Care Team of the Year award at the British Medical Journal (BMJ) awards.

The project has linked together Captain French Surgery, The James Cochrane Practice and Station House Surgery.

It has received widespread praise for its joined-up response to the pressures on primary care services in Kendal.

A large part of Kendal’s population is made up of retired people, many with declining health and this places huge demand on the three general practices in the area.

The scheme has resulted in a reduction in emergency department attendances and unplanned hospital admissions.

Dr Paul Atkinson, a GP at The James Cochrane Practice in Kendal, said: "Kendal’s Care Home Project has demonstrated joint working of the town’s three GP practices, to deliver real improvement to care home patients.

"Over the past two years our dedicated team has been passionate about improving quality of life and listened intently to what is important to patients."

The BMJ award ceremony takes place on May 5 in London.