OKEHAMPTON Medical Centre patients and staff recently bid a fond farewell to GP Dr Amanda Cox who has retired from the practice after more than 30 years.

Dr Cox joined the practice as a newly qualified doctor back in July 1987 and became a partner in the practice in March 1988, later becoming the senior partner.

She retired on March 15 this year.

The practice’s Patient Participation Group (PPG) chair Jan Goffey said: ‘Dr Cox came here when she was very newly qualified and has remained here ever since.

‘Her entire GP life has been spent in this GP practice which is unusual these days. She is very dedicated and will be very much missed.’

Practice manager Kiran Bakhshi said: ‘Dr Cox will be sorely missed by patients, myself and and everyone at the practice.

‘She has been a very kind, caring and compassionate senior partner and GP and we all try and follow her example.’

Dr Tim Watson took over as senior partner on Dr Cox’s retirement. Meanwhile other GPs within the practice are taking on extra hours to cover Dr Cox’s workload and a GP is being recruited to cover another GP’s maternity leave from August.

Ms Bakhshi added: ‘Our first priority remains caring for our patients and doing that with compassion.’

Dr Cox said: ‘I will miss all the staff and patients, some of whom I have known for over 30 years.

‘I would like to thank everyone for their cards, presents and best wishes on my retirement.’

The PPG made a presentation to Dr Cox before their annual meeting which was held at the Ockment Centre on June 12.