Many of our patients will already be aware that Dr Alan Mason retired from the practice at the end of March after over 36 years of service. This was reported in The Berwickshire News.
http://www.berwickshirenews.co.uk/news/doctor-hangs-up-stethoscope-after-37-years-1-4407990
We wish Dr Mason well in his retirement and hope that he finds his golf as rewarding as his clinical work!
Over recent months, the GP partners have been working hard behind the scenes to plan for Dr Mason’s retirement and ensure the long-term resilience of the practice workforce. We take pride in the fact that our forward thinking, dynamic approach continues to attract a high calibre of applicants to the team.
We are delighted to announce that Dr Jasbir Bumbra, who has worked with us as a locum covering for maternity leave over the past few months, is going to join the practice team. Dr Bumbra brings with him a wealth of experience from many years of partnership in Fife and a recent posting in New Zealand. Dr Jas has interests in joint injections, minor surgery and palliative care.
Since December 2016, Fiona Mitchell (Advanced Nurse Practitioner) has joined the practice team. Fiona brings with her a broad experience in managing minor illness and injuries. She also has an interest in respiratory conditions and palliative care. After only 4 months in post, Fiona has already become a valued member of our multidisciplinary team. Fiona is assisting with home visits, working alongside GP colleagues in the urgent surgery and providing routine practice nurse appointments alongside Alison Twyford.
Over the past few months, to further expand our clinical team, we have been developing a concept of a paramedic practitioner working in a general practice setting. Chris Chalmers is a highly qualified, experienced paramedic. We welcome his enthusiasm, expertise and skills in dealing with acute medical problems. Chris will be performing home visits and urgent surgery appointments during his occasional shifts.
Dr Elisabeth Henderson has now returned to work after her period of maternity leave. Appointments are now available to book with Dr Henderson on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Dr Katie Donaldson will be returning to work on the 5th June after her maternity leave. Dr Donaldson’s appointments will be available to book soon.
Please note that, as a result of the extensive building renovations and extension, some clinicians may be located in new or different consulting rooms. Please ask at reception for guidance.
Our administrative team is also undergoing change to keep pace with the demands of modern general practice. Lewis Middlemiss was successful in applying for our newly created office junior post in December 2016. As a result of his conscientious attitude, enthusiasm and diligence – Lewis has been promoted to trainee receptionist. Many of you will already have encountered Lewis whilst contacting the practice and we ask for your continued support of our reception team as they undergo essential training.
In January 2017, we were sorry to loose our phlebotomist Claire Johnson. To continue a longstanding tradition of staff development, Selina Keillor is currently undergoing training to take up this role alongside her reception and dispensing duties. We hope to be able to offer phlebotomy appointments with Selina in the near future to restore this service to full capacity.
