THE Okehampton mayor's monthly business and community breakfast got off to a good start in 2014 on January 15.

A large number of people attended the breakfast, where the speaker was Dr Tim Watson, a partner at Okehampton Medical Centre.

As well as being a GP, Dr Watson is an accomplished endurance athlete and has raised money for several charities through long distance running, cycling and canoeing.

Dr Watson spoke of his involvement as a partner and GP within the Okehampton Medical Centre. He traced the history of medical provision within the town over the last ten years. This included the closure of the Okehampton Memorial Hospital, the opening and basic workings of the new Okehampton Community Hospital.

He focused on the nine year journey of why the Okehampton Memorial Hospital was closed, why the building was purchased by the partners at the medical centre, and how costs dictated that it was better to knock it down and rebuild a purpose built centre rather than try and convert the old building for modern use. This new centre provided the Okehampton Medical Centre with a much needed provision.

Dr Watson also spoke about the difficulties of 2013 within the NHS and spoke about various plans and changes taking place in 2014. He highlighted several difficulties facing the Okehampton Medical Centre in the years to come, especially with the growth of the town and additional people needing to register with a doctor.

The mayor of Okehampton, Cllr the Rev Mike Davies, said: 'Dr Watson certainly knew his subject matter well and made an excellent presentation which was well received by all who attended.

'He answered the questions directly and thoroughly, explaining the reasoning behind some of the decisions being made within the NHS regarding medical provision locally. It was a very enjoyable talk.'

The date of the next mayoral breakfast has yet to be decided. The speaker will be the Okehampton Rector, the Rev Stephen Cook.