"A First Class Practice"

I joined Spring Lane Practice in 1982 following a bad organisational experience with a previous GP who shall remain nameless. Although the Surgery premises were somewhat smaller at the time, the contrast could not have been more pronounced. Reception was excellent and the doctor was very keen to make his new "baby" succeed. As far as I am concerned he did and, in all that time from 1982, I have never had cause to complain - and that includes the Practice Nurses and Reception Staff.

One of my earlier experiences with the doctor occurred when I collapsed at home because of a gall stone problem. The doctor responded instantly and turned up looking very smart as he must have interrupted a formal occasion - nothing was too much. Such was his dedication and this continued up to his recent retirement. Now, Spring Lane Surgery is in the hands of another doctor, who is equally dedicated to his patients. In fact, I feel that he is not only my GP but a good friend. Now, after 35 years or so, the merger of 7 Practices into Tower Family Healthcare takes place on 1st July, 2018 so, inevitably, each Practice will lose it`s original identity. Over time, the original names will fade in the eyes of the general public but NOT in the minds of hundreds of patients for whom the name "Spring Lane Surgery" will live on for a good many years to come.

Peter G. Nield