'I will miss my patients': GP of more than 40 years retires

Dr Jon Evans will retire from the Blandford Practice after 42 years of delivering medical care to his patients in the area. 

He began his career at King’s College Hospital in London before qualifying in 1976, then went to train as an anaesthetist at Guy’s Hospital. 

He later worked as a GP at the Edenbridge Practice in Kenwhere then he married his wife Ruth at Hever Castle.

He further extended his training moving to Shoreham Hospital in West Sussex.

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Dr Evans was then offered and accepted a job as a GP and anaesthetist in Canada but, after a visit to Blandford Forum received a telephone call from Dr Ian Wilson, the then senior partner of The Blandford Group Practice.  

He was offered a partnership as a GP and anaesthetist, an unusual job combination in England at that time but both he and Ruth felt it was an offer not to be missed.  

Jon continued to expand his role by qualifying in aviation medicine and learning to fly at the same time.  

He regularly worked as an anaesthetist at Blandford Hospital where he was also able to provide minor surgery clinics. 

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He was elected a member of the Dorset Local Medical Committee later becoming chairman and then chairman of Wessex LMC Secretariat.  

Dr Evans said: “I have been very fortunate to be a Dorset GP and I will miss my patients and their families greatly.  

“They have become a part of my life. I have been particularly blessed working with such good colleagues and fabulously supportive staff, indeed this includes the whole of the wider NHS team” 

Practice manager Natalie McPherson said: “Jon has shown a huge commitment and dedication over the years to both the staff here and the people of Blandford and will be sorely missed by everyone; and whilst we are genuinely sorry to see him go, we wish him all the best for his retirement.”