From My Heart …………by Dr VSR Chadalavada

Dear Patients,

I am retiring from practice on 31st October 2024. I want to say that I have enjoyed my career serving the local community here in Stoke-on-Trent, your support over the years has been exceptional.

I started working in 1991 in General Practice at leek road surgery after my General Practice Training. Our patients have inspired me to serve them to the best of my ability with my various skills. This was possible with the help of our excellent staff and GP colleagues for 33 yrs. I am going to miss you all. My heart is always around Abbey Hulton & Hanley area and Royal stoke hospital where I worked before in Urology department.

It is now 33 years, and we have grown as a practice into an educational unit with many types of clinicians. We are now PRIMA CARE SURGERIES.  The new workforce has slowly evolved, along with other practices in stoke-on-trent into a unit with many services and the new way of working that is now normal in the modern world. The telephone, computer, video and social media now enhancing the face to face of the previous GPs and nurses. As some of you will know, I started with Dr.Toft as a job share in 1991. It was two part time receptionists, paper notes only, and us. No nurse, no computer. And a limited phone system. A lot has happened since then turned out into big team second to none with various skills.

I chose to be a GP because I wanted to be what I then called a “Family Doctor” general practice provided this context. I am very glad I made that choice. It has been a privilege to be a GP in stoke-on-trent, to be part of a community, to form relationships with a wide variety of people and families. To work with people from birth, through the arc of life, ending eventually with death. I repeat, this has been an enormous privilege and I am very grateful for this.

I am very aware that for some people my retirement will be a loss: we have formed a trusted relationship over the years. I too feel a loss and sadness. A GP and a GP practice can provide a safe space and anchor in a community. I am hopeful that my colleagues will continue to provide that. It has been a huge privilege to live and work in this community – I feel fortunate to have worked with such lovely patients who have been so supportive to the Practice.  I’d like to wish all of you and your families all the best for the future. After giving the best service to you all for many years, now it is time to say good bye with heavy heart.

Best wishes,

Dr VSR Chadalavada