WEST Somerset GP Dr Ian Kelham is retiring – 22 years after resuscitating the Porlock practice when it was on the brink of closure.

At the time, it had just 1209 patients registered, one part-time nurse and a receptionist.

Dr Kelham leaves with a combined list size of 6137 patients across Porlock, Dunster and Brendon Hills, two modern buildings, five doctors, seven nurses, two healthcare assistants and a total staff of 28.

They, and everyone else, are invited to a retirement party for Dr Kelham in Porlock Village Hall on Sunday April 29 from 3pm to 5pm.

“My decision to retire this year has not been an easy one, but now is the right time for me to make this change personally and professionally,” said Dr Kelham.

“I have loved my 22 years in West Somerset, working with wonderful, caring, hardworking staff in the practice who are all prepared to go that extra mile to support patients’ needs.

“I am extraordinarily proud of what we have accomplished, being judged by the CQC as outstanding practices both in Porlock and Dunster, there being only one other such practice in Somerset.”

Dr Ben Fawden will be the GP for Porlock, Dr David Davies for Dunster, Dr Catherine Sherry and Dr Jenny Capps will share the responsibility for the Brendon Hills patients.

However, all the doctors will at times work in either site.