The practice, situated in Jacaranda Avenue, has taken out the Royal Australian College of General Practioners 2021 award for 'NSW General Practice of the Year'.

The clinic will compete for the national title when it goes up against winners of each of the other states in November.

Owners Dr Sarah Bayley and Dr Damien Welbourne said that they were shocked but honoured to be recognised in such a manner by the peak body.

"It was a bit of shock to all staff because we were not aware that we had been nominated," Dr Bayley said.

"We are so very proud and thankful for each and everyone of our team who has worked with us over the past year. We are all honoured to be recognised by the RACGP and we look forward to continuing to serve our patients and community."

Dr Bayley said that the staff numbers had increased more than threefold since the practice was accepted as a government vaccination hub back in March.

"We pride ourselves on providing excellence in patience care as well as education to staff and the public."

Dr Welbourne said that doctors were proud of the team's efforts, which included the new nursing and support staff who had answered the call when the practice led the charge in the vaccine rollout in Port Stephens.

"At the start of the pandemic we recognised the need to find a place to look after the COVID-19 patients by opening a separate clinic through the back entrance of the building and created a space to keep sick people away from the well and see patients in a safe setting," he said.

"We are proud of what we've done and hope to continue to provide a great community service."

To win the award, the family practice which has origins dating back to the 1940s, had to provide excellence in its structure, including facilities for both patients and staff; and in its services to patients (such as patient education, health promotion, preventative care and reminders).

Other criteria included the delivery of services to all patients; an outline of what differentiated the practice from other practices and made it worthy; and details of involvement in general practice teaching.

In congratulating the Raymond Terrace clinic, State MP Kate Washington said that is has always been a race to get vaccinated, and the Raymond Terrace Family Practice and Respiratory Clinic had put Port Stephens ahead of the pack.

"Everyone is delighted they've received this prestigious recognition. Our community is very lucky to have this hardworking, caring team looking after us."

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