Patients come first for “well-loved” doctor

A WELL-LOVED Redbourn doctor has been joined by 200 patients, friends and colleagues at a special afternoon tea upon her retirement after 32 years’ practice in the village.

The gathering late last month at Cumberland Gardens was to enable people to say goodbye to Dr Kathryn Dexter, of Harpenden, who has provided help and guidance to generations of local families.

Many still remember her first days with the Redbourn Health Centre, when she joined Dr Peter Ward more than three decades ago. The surgery’s patient list now exceeds 7,000 people, from the village and surrounding areas.

Hugh Poyser, of Harpenden, who attended the afternoon tea, said patients “absolutely come first” for Dr Dexter.

He said she was “well-loved, ” very patient focused and would be missed by many people.

Dr Dexter said the surgery was a wonderful place to work at as it was, “part of the community.” She is looking forward to having time to pursue interests including gardening, cooking, walking, skiing and travelling.

The surgery, in Hawkes Drive, welcomes Dr Alison Cowan who will join Dr Nim Baguant and Dr Rosemary Ramsay as the new partner this month.