A GP who has made an 'intense difference' to a patient's life has been nominated for a Health Hero title in the York Community Pride Awards.

Patient Maria Munir, a masters student of human rights law at York University, nominated Dr Sirvart Yeretsian of Unity Health's Wenlock Terrace Surgery after she changed her life.

Ms Munir said: "It's rare that we hear about ordinary heroes, the people who mean the literal difference between life and death.

"In a time where there is much talk of the funding crisis for mental health services, and the burden on the NHS of understaffed areas, this is a much-needed story. We need more GPs like Dr. Yeretsian. Better yet, we need more environments like the one she creates; where patients aren't just customers to go in and out, but real people with real lives."

Ms Munir said she had a myriad of complicated health issues and Dr Yeretsian listened, found solutions and has supported her, building a relationship of mutual trust.

"She is the kind of person who empowers you in your journey to get better. This is so important. She has changed my life and given me a new lease of life," she added.

After hearing about her nomination, Dr Yeretsian said: "I really am very honoured to be nominated for the award. It means so much to me. I love working as a GP and serving our lovely local community in York and am particularly lucky to work with the fabulous team at Unity Health.

"It is a real honour to be nominated for doing my job and I am so thankful to Maria for putting my name forward. I endeavour to continue to serve our community as best I can."

Dr. Yeretsian studied at the University of Leeds and since graduating has worked at several practices across Leeds and York.

She joined the Unity Health team as a salaried GP in Spring 2014 and is now based in Wenlock Terrace.

The awards are run in partnership with City of York Council and the primary sponsor is York-based healthcare organisation Benenden.

All nominees must live in, or contribute to life in, the City of York Council area. Three finalists from each category will be invited to the awards ceremony at York Racecourse in October, when the winners will be revealed.

Entries can be submitted to York Community Pride Awards, The Press, 84-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN.

You can also nominate online at yorkpress.co.uk/communitypride.

The closing date for entries is Friday, July 21.

You must include a supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4 with each nomination, and may include a picture, which unfortunately we will be unable to return.