STAFF and patients turned out in force to mark the retirement of a well-loved island doctor.

An unprecedented number of medical, ancillary and admin staff, retired doctors and patients filled Easton Health Centre for the farewell presentation to Doctor David Hargrave.

It was au revoir but not goodbye from the doctor, who has retired as senior partner of Royal Manor Health Care, (RMHC), but will stay on Portland with his wife, Libby.

Born in Wootton Bassett, the son of a GP, he followed in his father's footsteps by training as a doctor at Westminster Hospital where he met his wife who was a nurse there.

Dr Hargrave, 60, joined the Portland practice of Doctors Milne, Barnard Jones and Ward in 1980 after a spell as a GP in Luton and Dunstable.

Tribute to his long service on the island was paid by Wendy Milverton, RMHC practice manager for the past 15 years.

Mrs Milverton said: “I have always found Dr Hargrave to be dedicated, supportive and committed to his patients as has been shown in his extended surgeries and we have always enjoyed his sense of humour, his relaxed approach to crisis and his never ending anecdotes.”

Among the many cards and gifts presented to mark for his retirement were National Trust Life Membership for him and Libby from his GP partners, a picnic hamper and folding chairs from staff who joined in a gift of garden vouchers with patients whose other gift was binoculars.

Thanking everyone, Dr Hargrave spoke of the many changes he has seen over the years with the ever changing government reforms and he particularly regretted the loss of the out of the hours service to patients.

He paid tribute to all ‘upstairs and downstairs’ staff at RMHC, including Portland Hospital.

He said: “The service we give is a massive team effort.

“I am going to miss being your GP but I feel the time has come to hand over the reigns to a younger generation of doctors.”

He added: “I have enjoyed every single day working on Portland where it has been a privilege and pleasure looking after you in both the good times and the really sad times of your family life.”