Dr Ian Wheatley retiring from The Hereward Practice in Bourne

A doctor and his wife are retiring from a GP surgery after clocking up a total of 34 years between them.

Dr Ian Wheatley is a GP Partner at The Hereward Practice in Bourne, having started there in 1991 as a trainee.

His wife, Janet, a former hospital nurse and midwife who returned to healthcare after having her family, has been a healthcare assistant at The Hereward Practice for more than eight years.

Ian is retiring now, while Janet will continue until the end of the year.

Ian,a specialist in musculoskeletal medicine and rheumatology, said: "It has been a really rewarding job and very enjoyable over the years. Bourne is a nice place to be a GP and being a partner has been really rewarding.

"It still is a privilege to do this work. I have got to know the staff here over decades and I will miss them and the patients, although it will be nice to take life at a different pace."

Janet added: "It is a nice place to work and the staff are lovely. I had previously worked at another surgery doing coding but I missed the patient contact, which is why I came here.

"We both still connect with patients and get that positive interaction in both our roles."

The couple are looking forward to continuing their hobby of ballroom dancing, travel, and Ian is hoping to learn Spanish and the piano.

Dr Tom Ashley-Norman, said: "On behalf of everyone at the practice I'd like to wish Ian and Janet all the very best for the future.

"Ian has been a stalwart and professional colleague, serving the community and always putting his patients first.

"Janet is a delight to work with and her sunny contribution to Hereward is invaluable and they both be sorely missed, by staff and patients alike."

A new GP will join the team in the next few days.