Surgery welcomes new doctor

Rothschild Surgery, Tring senior partner Alie Wainwright (in red) and new GP Kate Thomson

Dr Kate Thomson joined the team at the surgery in Chapel Street, Tring, on February 12 – making a total of 11 GPs in the team.

Dr Thomson first came to Tring as a trainee on her placement in 2011 and loved it so much, she could not wait to return after she qualified.

The surgery currently serves around 18,500 patients, sharing them with its sister surgery in nearby Pitstone.

Senior partner Dr Alie Wainwright, who has been with the surgery for 28 years, said: “It’s a nice number because we have a big enough team of doctors and nurses that we can support our patients without being impersonal.

“Everyone has a named doctor and they are encouraged to see them. That enables them to build a rapport.

“I’ve seen babies come through with their parents and watched them grow into adults. It’s a real privilege – I would never do anything else.”

Dr Thomson, who studied at London’s St Bartholomew’s Hospital, said: “If you get to know you patients better, you provide a better service.

“They may feel more comfortable sharing symptoms with you, so you can diagnose them more quickly.”

Dr Thomson is now looking after her own list of 1,200 patients. The surgery has undergone a recent revamp, with admin services moving to the third floor – freeing up rooms for consultation use.