After 30 years working in the NHS, Dr Richard Bill, lead GP at Kells and Connor Medical Practice has sent a letter to his staff and patients and said "thank you" as he steps into retirement.
The dedicated local doctor also paid tribute to lan Paisley MP and ClIr. William McCaughey who he said "refused to accept the disgraceful decision to remove medical services from Kells and Connor and managed to help secure a new contractor at the eleventh hour".
In recent weeks both community and political representatives battled to save the surgery following an announcement of closure by the Department of Health. However the department made a last minute u-turn and announced a new contractor, namely Dalriada Urgent Care, who will take over the contract for the village practice from May 1st.
In a letter addressed to the patients of Kells and Connor Medical Practice, Dr Bill said:
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my 23 years at Kells and Connor Medical Practice and have decided to retire this year after 30 years working for the NHS.
"It has been a privilege getting to know many of you and your family connections and I will look back with fond memories. I have always felt welcomed and appreciated in Kells and Connor and want to thank everyone who has sent me kind wishes and messages. I also wish to extend my gratitude to the 'Friends of Kells and Connor Medical Practice' who gave so generously of their time and efforts to supply medical equipment for the benefit of all the patients.
"I am both embarrassed and disappointed that you have been put through such uncertainty over the past couple of months. I give thanks to all the public representatives and patients who fought to ensure that medical services remained within Kells and Connor. A special thanks to lan Paisley MP and ClIr. William McCaughey who refused to accept the disgraceful decision to remove medical services from Kells and Connor and managed to help secure a new contractor at the eleventh hour.
"I wish to thank my staff, led by Practice Manager Julie McClure, for their dedication, commitment and hard work throughout the years. They have always gone above and beyond to keep the Practice running smoothly and with good humour - the team are like an extended family.
"Lastly, I am indebted to Dr. Klaasje and Dr. Greer who have carried the Practice through difficult times over the past months.
"I have always tried my best to provide the traditional family doctor service of old - but times move on and I wish you all well in the future. I trust you will all continue to support the staff and the new medical team going forward".