GP retires after 33 years’ service
Sandy steps down and eyes golf course
A Bridge of Allan doctor has called time on his career after over 30 years in practice.
Dr Sandy Stuart from Bridge of Allan Health Centre bid farewell to his patients, some of whom he has served as their GP for more than 30 years.
Dr Stuart (65) studied at Cambridge University and St Andrews before taking up a position as a trainee GP at Bridge of Allan Health Centre in 1984.
He also spent more than a year working as a GP in Killearn before returning to Bridge of Allan Health Centre where he has worked since.
Originally from Troon in Ayrshire, Dr Stuart moved to the Stirling area with his wife, Susan, upon returning from Cambridge. The couple finally settled in Bridge of Allan where they raised their children, Sarah, Jamie and David.
On his retirement, Dr Stuart said: “It’s a stressful job, but I think if you ask most GPs if they wanted to do any other job they would say `no.’”
Staff at the health centre and patients held a get together on Tuesday to say goodbye .
He added: “It was excellent and really well organised it was good to see everyone. It was very touching. It’s always nice to feel like you have done the best you can and that’s how I feel.
“I could have retired at 60, but I just didn’t feel like I was ready to retire then but I’m 65 now so I think the time is right.”
He said he has no grand plans for his newly-found spare time but added: “They always say that when you retire you have the `three G’s’ – golfing, gardening and going places.
“I’m a keen golfer and I don’t get the chance to play golf often enough, so hopefully I’ll be able to play a bit more.”