Doctor who helped make practice top in county retiring after 28 years |
After his previous career in the Royal Air Force, Dr Jim Morris joined Fressingfield Medical Centre, near Diss, in 1998, starting as a junior partner and moving up to become a senior partner.
During this time, he was able to help the practice become one of the highest-rated in the county, with more than 90% of patients having a positive experience over the last three years.
Last year, the practice had a 93% approval rating, placing it joint third best in the region.
Practice manager Clare Good (left) with Becky Flounders, Lisa White, Rose Smithers, Dr Jim Morris, Kate Cromwell, and John Alborough of the patient participation group. (Image: Lucy Taylor)
Practice manager Clare Good described him as a "real good egg" a "traditional family GP" and someone who is "loved and respected" by all patients.
"His care has gone beyond the expected, including rescuing staff from floods and battling ferocious weather conditions to ensure patient care was never compromised", she added.
"The NHS has changed so much in 28 years, and his care and compassion has not wavered during the many challenges, such as the Covid pandemic and regular changes in government administration and processes.
"We will miss him in the surgery, with his good humour and his calm and friendly influence on our team."
Dr Morris says he will miss the practice dearly. (Image: Lucy Taylor)
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Dr Morris noted how the role has changed "in so many over the years", particularly in terms of digital advancements, and the job has become more "pressurised".
In particular, he noted increased administrative tasks and the number of patients rising from 4,500 when he first started to nearly 6,500 today.
However, he described the practice as a little "family", which is "made up of individuals that really care about the patients and the community".
"I will miss it", added Dr Morris.
Dr Morris describes the practice culture as a "little family". (Image: Lucy Tatylor)
Nick Stolls a local resident, patient and member of our patient participation group, added that Dr Morris is a "truly genuine", "lovely guy" and a "brilliant doctor.
"He is an old school doctor who always makes time for his patients", he added.
"The NHS often gets a bad wrap, because it's easy to complain about this monolith of an organisation, but the work that Jim does day in and day out deserves all the plaudits.
"The success of the practice is a testimony to the work that he has done."
Dr Morris's last day is at the end of March, and he says he is looking forward to keeping busy and starting a new chapter.