WESTBURY’S Person of the Year 2017 award has been won by Debbie Beale, who has been a GP in Westbury for over 30 years.
Hundreds of votes were received in the competition, which was organised by White Horse News to find the person who has made a real contribution to the community in 2017.
Debbie started her long-standing career as a GP in Westbury in 1988 and has been caring for the patients for 30 years. She has also been fighting strongly over the last 20 years to maintain services in Westbury and has helped develop and adapt services to secure a future for health services in the town for as long as possible.
Debbie said, “I feel suprised and pleased to have won Westbury Person of the Year. It’s a lovely thing to have received it, having just retired. It has been a real pleasure looking after the people of Westbury and the surrounding villages. I am so lucky to have been included in the lives of such characters and real genuine people.”
The voters’ comments for Debbie included, “She is an incredible doctor and person. She deserves recognition as our person of the year and recognition beyond our town too!”
“Dr Debbie Beale; outstanding, caring, a real beacon of hope in a mad world!”
“She has done a lot for the community. As for her work as a GP I can say she is patient, caring and always has time for you.”
“My vote goes to Debbie Beale, an absolutely fantastic doctor who has had the time of day for each of her patients. Thank you for all your hard work over the years.”
Ian Drew, editor of White Horse News, presented the winner’s shield to Debbie last week. Ian said, “Congratulations to Debbie on winning our Person of the Year award for 2017. Debbie has become a very valued member of the community over her time as a GP and certainly local families appreciate the time and effort she has put in. She has gone beyond her call of duty to help ensure that the many patients she has looked after will continue to receive the same level of care as she heads into retirement.
“All this year’s nominees were worthy of the award and deserve praise for their efforts and contributions to the town. They can all feel proud to have been involved and to know they have made such a big impact on local people’s lives.”
Other nominees were Len Clift, Sally Hendry, Beth Mullins-Watts and Emma Symonds
