LONG-SERVING Musselburgh GP Dr Catherine (Cathy) Cameron is set to hang up her stethoscope after 24 years of service in the town.

A partner at Riverside Medical Practice, which is based at Musselburgh Primary Care Centre, she will retire at the end of December.

She joined what was known as ‘the East Wing, Esk Medical Centre’ on Ladywell Way in January 2000 before becoming a partner in August 2005.

Dr Cameron said: “I can’t quite believe it’s been 24 years since I started at what was then ‘the East Wing’.

“General practice has changed hugely over that time – in many ways it was much simpler back then!

“Not all of the GPs used computers, we had handwritten records and prescriptions – of variable legibility! – and 7.5-minute appointments.

“Some GPs only had five minutes.

“Medicine has become much more complex over that time… a lot of people are living much longer, and this means that the nature of the care we provide to older people in particular has changed out of all recognition compared to when I first started as a GP.”

And she added: “I will miss my patients and colleagues. Riverside is a good, safe practice which is innovative and forward-looking with excellent staff – from the call handlers and admin staff, through to all the clinical staff and partners.

“As for me, I’m hoping to spend some more time in the great outdoors, reading, travelling, swimming, yoga-ing, cooking, knitting, learning… the list goes on!”

'Huge thanks'

Dr Richard Fairclough, managing partner at the practice, paid tribute to Dr Cameron.

He said: “Over the course of her 24 years’ service to the community, Dr Cameron has provided expert care to a huge number of people in Musselburgh, from newborn babies right up to our very oldest patients.

“In her role as a GP trainer, she has also helped to train many of Scotland’s next generation of GPs.

“A large number of them have – in no small part we know due to her mentorship – chosen to stay and serve the community here in Musselburgh as part of our practice team.

“We’re sure that our patients will want to join our team in sending our huge thanks to Dr Cameron, and wishing her a very happy retirement.

“She has been the best colleague we could ever have wished for and will be much missed by all of us here, and I’m sure by the very many patients she has looked after over the years.”

He added: “We’re delighted that Dr Jeff Scott will be joining the partnership at Riverside when Dr Cameron retires, joining myself, Dr Joanna Stenke and Dr Richard Kitto.

“We’re also pleased to announce that three new GPs will also be joining the practice between December and February, making what will then be a 20-strong team of doctors working alongside the nurse specialists, specialist paramedic and other nursing staff in our clinical team.”

The practice would like to gather retirement wishes to pass to Dr Cameron from patients.

If anyone would like to send a message to be included, email clinical.s76033@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk with the subject line ‘Dr Cameron retirement’ or put a note in the feedback box in the main waiting room.