Dr. Martin Jones started in Bewick Crescent practice in August 1988, just under 30 years ago, with Dr. Chamberlain and Brian Jones still working there and Dr. Haw had just retired.
The practice at that point had 7 seven doctors and three nurses – now it has 12 doctors including trainees and six nurses. There were 5 clinical rooms and now have 17.
When Dr. Jones started the Surgery was still doing overnight calls but this was replaced by Doctors working at Bishop Auckland Out of Hours Centre with much less evening or weekend work. However being a G.P. is still pretty hard work and Dr. Jones usually works an 11 hour day.
Though retiring from the practice Dr. Jones will still carry out educational work, continuing to help trainee GP’s as he has done for the last 15 years. Four of them are working in the practice still and several others have positions locally.
He has been involved in the ‘careers start’ programme for the last few years, an educational support network for new GP’s in the County.
Dr. Jones told Newton News: “I have taught in Nepal with Health Care Workers on three occasions and intend to go back again to do similar work next year. In addition to this in my retirement I intend to have more time for hobbies and will have a tidy allotment for the first time in 15 years!”
“I would like to thank colleagues, past and present, for their friendship and support over the years and also all the people of Newton Aycliffe and the surrounding areas who I have seen as patients and who it has been my pleasure to treat. Many thanks for your good wishes, cards and gifts”.
EDITOR: On behalf of the townspeople we thank Dr. Martin Jones for his long service to his patients in Newton Aycliffe and wish him a long and happy retirement.
