"All Change at Oldwood"
After 11 years at Oldwood Surgery & Battle Health Centre Dr David
Rodgers is retiring at the end of March 2015.
Dr Rodgers has made an invaluable contribution to the development of
Oldwood Surgery & Battle Health Centre and will be greatly missed by
patients, colleagues and staff alike.
Dr Rodgers was born and educated in Tunbridge Wells and qualified as a
Doctor in 1978, 37 years ago!
He became a GP Principal from 1983 and then worked as a GP Principal
in Berkshire and spent 21 years there. Whilst in Berkshire he did
additional sessions in Psychiatry and Alcohol Addiction.
He was Lead GP Partner when he left Berkshire to join Oldwood Surgery
and was warned by his colleagues, don’t leave “you’ll be bored” going to
a Rural Practice.
Comments
"Dr Rodgers has given very necessary support and encouragement to the
PPG (Patient Participation Group) since it was established. His
knowledge of the totality of the service offered by the practice has been
invaluable, as has his understanding of current government legislation.
Issues have been taken seriously and action has followed on every
occasion and a report brought to the next meeting. Above all, his sense
of humour has been enjoyed and we shall miss him for his concern for his
colleagues and for the people served by the practice. Best wishes for his
retirement.”
“As a patient I guess I'd mention kindliness and listening and, most of all,
smiling knowingly, not overreacting and remaining calm when you're
convinced that you are on the edge of death because you have read
something on the internet but actually you have a mild headache or
stomach cramp!”
However, Dr Rodgers has confirmed that he has “absolutely loved” being
part of Oldwood Surgery/Battle Health Centre and the rural community!
“Being interested enough to set up the PPG in the first place and to
patiently sit through the early meetings and be convinced it would have
value…....and, of course, the big Boy Racer mug in his office!”
He has also said that the experience he gained in Alcohol in Berkshire
was very useful when he started at Oldwood Surgery due to being very
commonly asked “Can I drink with this medication”?
“Where we would be without David’s great sense of humour and
irreverence towards his colleagues!!”
Dr Rodgers is retiring to have more time available for outdoor pursuits
and family. He will miss patients and staff but not the ever-changing
politics. We wish him a long & happy retirement as I’m sure all his
patients do too.