A ROYAL Navy doctor from Plymouth has been recognised for stepping up to the challenge of leading the medical team providing care to personnel serving in Afghanistan.

Surgeon Lieutenant Commander Andrew Maples, aged 32, right, was a newly qualified General Practitioner when he deployed to Afghanistan with 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines from January to April this year.

Originally posted as one of a team of six providing day-to-day medical care to around 5,000 Service personnel based at Camp Bastion, very soon after arriving in Afghanistan Surg Lt Cdr Maples was asked to stand in for the Senior Medical Officer (SMO).

As part of this role he was expected to advise on policy, prepare briefs and supervise the junior doctors, as well as run a busy practice.

So successful was he in fulfilling this position that he was asked to reprise the role on a number of occasions to allow the SMO to visit the forward operating bases in the region.

In addition to working as a GP, dealing with everything from coughs and colds to muscular injuries, Surg Lt Cdr Maples also helped out in the accident and emergency department and provided care to the local population. In recognition of his contribution, Surg Lt Cdr Maples has been awarded the Alan Hirst Memorial prize.

The prize is awarded annually in memory of Surgeon Commander Alan Hirst, a RN GP, to the Medical Officer who has demonstrated endeavour in General Practice .

Surg Lt Cdr Maples said: "Being in Afghanistan was a rewarding four months both professionally and personally. It was extremely tough, but was also very satisfying to be working in such a cohesive team environment. Everyone worked well together to ensure that every patient got the best treatment we could provide and as a doctor that's what you try to achieve."

Surg Lt Cdr Maples joined the Royal Navy as a medical student in 1999. As a junior doctor he spent time on board Devonport ships HMS Monmouth and HMS Campbeltown.

He qualified as a GP while working at the military unit at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.

Surg Lt Cdr Maples is now the Deputy Principal Medical Officer at HMS Raleigh.

He is married to Helen and lives in Stoke.