This is a short interview to announce that
Dr Ken Sutton will be retiring at the end of March 2016.
What’s your proudest moment at Court Thorn Surgery?
It has to be developing the surgery as being a recognised teaching unit. With me at the helm, Court
Thorn is renowned for not standing still. We enjoy going against the grain and evolving to be the
best we can be, to deliver excellent care.
I’ve also been astounded at how many volunteers and volunteer groups have come about as a result
of putting the patient first. From the original Feel Good Group, to the prescription delivery drivers
and the award winning Patient Participation Group. They are the envy of many other Practices in
Cumbria.
The volunteers have had a huge impact and no more so than their endeavours to provide a
defibrillator in as many hamlets and villages with the Practice area. The groups and individuals are
truly amazing and work tirelessly for their neighbours and communities.
So how important has the patients’ feedback been on the progression of Court Thorn Surgery?
One word ‘Enormous’. Patient’s feedback has helped me and the team to shape Court Thorn to
what it is today. We strive to be that bit different, to be ahead of the trends without losing focus as
to why we are here – It’s all about the Patient!
What was your most challenging moment?
Mmmmm – I’m not one who likes to ‘bite their tongue’ and at times this has got me into trouble. I
think being on Eden Locality as a representative of the Eden Valley GP’s was a challenge. I can’t
stand procrastination. To me it’s a waste of time and money. Either you make a decision to evolve
and move on or you don’t. If you choose the latter then at least it’s a decision.
Can you see Court Thorn Surgery becoming a larger super surgery with many GP’s?
Not at all. Court Thorn Surgery is dynamic; it delivers personal care and personal service. For me,
‘Small is beautiful’.
What was the saddest time for you?
It was 2001 and the time of the Foot and Mouth Disease. I remember very vividly visiting the local
farms to give care as they couldn’t come off the farm. The smell of the burning carcasses and the
despair the farming community was going through was just so palpable.
One minute I was giving an injection to the Farmer and then looked outside into the yard only to see
his much treasured cattle being put down by Defra. It was such a traumatic time and even today the
memories are still very vivid.
Did you always want to be a GP?
It’s funny up until the age of 12, I always wanted to be an engineer. You often found me dressed in
blue wellies, blue shorts and a blue cap. Yes, that was a sign of the times or rather school uniform
fashion in the 60’s/70’s.
Then my interest developed into medicine. Which suppose is engineering really. It’s all about pipes
and valves isn’t it!
How long have you been the lead GP?
Well I moved here from East Yorkshire with my family in October 1999. I remember stretching out
my arms and touching all four walls in the old White House Surgery, High Hesket. Sarah had to keep
her equipment in the attic space and there were only 6 seats in the waiting room. How things have
changed. After 16 years as a GP, Court Thorn Surgery has gone from 1700 patients to a staggering
3000 patients. That is an achievement and one that demonstrates the reputation of excellence that
Court Thorn has.
So what’s in the future?
Well, lots. I feel that I am leaving the Practice in very capable hands of Iain and Lynne with my
replacement Sally to start in April.
On a personal level, as many patients may know I love to tinker! I’ll be tinkering away on projects at
home. I will be spending time travelling home and abroad in our motorhome, with my lovely
supportive wife, Jennie that many of the patients may know.
Not only that, enjoying our extended doggie family of 3 German Pointers.
Then there is the forthcoming wedding of my eldest son Matthew to Kerys (who once worked at
Court Thorn as a dispenser). Court Thorn has truly been a family venture!
What’s one tradition you hope Court Thorn Surgery will keep alive?
The Birthday cake tradition! The staff know what I mean. Needless to say Court Thorn Surgery staff
can knock spots off the Great British Bake Off!
Do you have any regrets?
I choose not to have regrets and live life to the full. But as you are pushing me…there is one. That’s
that I never became a GP trainer. To train other future GP’s. I did the next best thing and trained
final year medical students though and appraised other GP’s. Some of which are still in touch with
me today and have said since hearing that I’m retiring ‘what will the NHS do?’ That was very
touching.
What do you think about the junior doctors going on strike?
It’s a sad reflection that the medical profession has to take this stance in order to get the
Government to sit up and take notice. It’s not about the pay which is less than a Lidl Manager, it’s
about the long hours that these doctors are expected to do and put patients at high risk. The
Government are devaluing the NHS if their measures go ahead and that will be an absolute travesty
for all.
Has medicine changed over the years?
Absolutely! Today medicine is governed by guidelines and protocols. Sometimes it takes away the
human spirit. Treating the individual patient is about going with your gut feeling which is something
you can’t put in black and white.
So is there any chance you’ll come back to medicine?
I have no intention in coming back to medicine after 33 years. I am a volunteer for a local social care
charity, Eden Carers. I hope to use my medical experience and knowledge in that capacity.
What’s your proudest moment?
That’s easy - my children. My two eldest sons, Matt and Aaron following me into the medical
profession (working at the Cumberland Infirmary and Sunderland General Hospitals). Then there is
Tom, who is destined to be an entrepreneur and travel the globe. As for my daughter Naomi, she’s
going to be a human rights lawyer. Move over Amal Clooney!
Do you have any final thoughts?
To finish, I am indebted to the staff at Court Thorn Surgery over the years, and most importantly all
the Patients. After all, it’s the people in the building that make a difference, not the building!
Thank you.