A LONG-SERVING general practitioner has decided to retire after working at her surgery for more than 30 years.

Susanna Everitt retired from Upton Surgery after receiving a fellowship from the Royal College of General Practitioners.

Patients and colleagues have organised a concert in her honour next month as a token of thanks for the years of tireless work.

Susanna Everitt, 60, said: "Leaving was very emotional. It's that huge mixture of pride and sadness.

"I've left the most fantastic practice but had to say goodbye to my patients. I've seen some of them born and later their children born.

"I was terribly sad that I retired. I've known five generations of patients, I know their names and their great grandparents.

"It's an amazing privilege to be a GP in a community for such a long time."

Dr Everitt joined Upton Surgery in 1983 as a trainee doctor, before becoming a partner in 1984.

"For women in those days becoming a partner was relatively rare. You had to be completely committed," she said.

She went on to become a senior partner in 2007, when the surgery moved from School Lane to Tunnel Hill.

Ms Everitt says the offer of a fellowship by the RCGP marked the completion of her working life.

The award was reflective of being an 'old fashioned GP' with a total interest in people, Ms Everitt added.

"It was a big deal for me. There's a great pride of being a fellow. For me, it's a job well done," she said.

"I've been a member of the college since I passed the exam in 1985. My partner nominated me and the college agreed that I was viable enough and entitled to a fellowship."

The college told her she had been chosen as a fellow last Christmas but received the official award at a ceremony in May.

Philippa White, practice director at Upton Surgery, said: "We are all extremely proud of Dr Susanna Everitt's fellowship award.

"It has been well earned from her years of dedication to her patients and the surgery team. I know she is missed by many of her patients.

"We all wish her a long and happy, well deserved retirement."

Dr Everitt wants to commend the doctors, nurses and administrative staff at the surgery, which looks after more than 10,000 patients.

Patients have asked the surgery not to let Ms Everitt retire in response to her announcement, according to Ms White.

The doctor will spend her retirement working on the farm at her home in Clifton-upon-Teme, as she loves sheep and growing vegetables.

Ms Everitt was a member of Upton's church and a musician in various town orchestras over the years.

She is passionate about music and will be playing the viola in the middle of a concert being held in her honour.

Hanley Voices will hold her retirement concert in Upton Church at 7pm on Saturday, November 5.