ONE of the Forest's best-known GPs, Dr Anthea Holland, is to retire from her Blakeney practice at the start of next month.
Dr Holland and her husband Simon started at the surgery more than 20 years ago and she continued in the practice after he retired ten years ago.
She has written to all her patients to tell them about her plans.
"This is a decision that I have made after considerable time for reflection," she says. "It has been a privilege to serve you as a family doctor.
"Over the years I have come to know many of you very well, and to regard you as friends.
"The trust you have placed in me and interest and care you have shown in me, and also my family, has been especially valued.
"General practice has seen many changes since Simon and I first arrived in Blakeney some 22 years ago. I have been proud to be associated with those developments which have led to improvements in patient care.
"I feel happy that I shall be leaving you in the hands of a committed and caring team who will continue to look after your medical needs in the way that only a small village practice can."
Dr Holland said she was looking forward to having more time to enjoy music, especially singing, and spending time in her garden. The family was not planning to move out of the area.
Dr Holland's patients are being transferred to Dr Chris Oakley's list for administrative purposes but patients will have the choice of which partner they consult.
Gloucestershire Health Authority registration and screening manager Kev Jones said the practice would be appointing a new partner to take the place of Dr Holland.
Any of her former patients could ask to be put on the list of another practitioner if they wished and a list of doctors practising in the Blakeney area was available from him at Gloucestershire NHS, Victoria Warehouse, The Docks, Gloucester GL1 2EL.