Dr Jon Evans has retired from Blandford Practice after more than 40 years of delivering care to patients in the area.

Having trained at King’s College Hospital in London where he qualified in 1976, Jon went onto Guy’s Hospital and trained as an Anaesthetist. He continued his training as a GP at the Edenbridge Practice in Kent.  There he married his wife Ruth at Hever Castle. He further extended his training moving to Shoreham Hospital in West Sussex.

Jon was then offered and accepted a job as a GP/Anaesthetist in Canada.

However, after a visit to Dorset, more particularly Blandford Forum, he received a telephone call from Dr Ian Wilson, the then Senior Partner of The Blandford Group Practice. It was to offer him a partnership as a GP/Anaesthetist, an unusual job combination in England at that time. Both he and Ruth felt this was an offer not to be missed.

Jon continued to expand his role, qualifying in Aviation Medicine, learning to fly at the same time. He regularly worked as an anaesthetist at Blandford Hospital where he was also able to provide minor surgery clinics. Rugby featured heavily and after hanging up his boots, Jon became medical officer of Dorset & Wiltshire RFC.

He was elected a member Dorset Local Medical Committee, later becoming Chairman until recently then Chairman of Wessex LMC Secretariat. This was particularly interesting and, working with a wide range of colleagues across Dorset and beyond.

Dr Evans said “I have been very fortunate to be a Dorset GP. I will miss my patients and their families greatly. They have become a part of my life. I have been particularly blessed working with such good colleagues and fabulously supportive staff, indeed this includes the whole of the wider NHS team”

Practice Manager Natalie McPherson said, “Jon has shown a huge commitment and dedication over the years to both the staff here and the people of Blandford and will be sorely missed by everyone; and whilst we are genuinely sorry to see him go, we wish him all the best for his retirement.”

Practice staff say their goodbyes to Dr Jon Evans after 42 years at the practice

From left to right

Dr David Burlton (Retired) Dr Adrienne Slater, Dr Ann Thomas (Retired) Dr Phil Kreeger (Retired) Dr Sarah Nixon (Retired) Dr James Clements, Mrs Ruth Evans, Dr Jonathan Evans (Retired), Dr Tracey Wall, Dr Lucy Purcell, Dr Jan Emms, Dr Matthew Hunt, Dr Matthew Sword.