I will still be around, says GP (From Witney Gazette)

I will still be around, says GP

9:00am Friday 7th April 2006 in Witney By Andrew Alexander

IT is the end of an era in the Wychwoods area of West Oxfordshire where there has been a Dr Scott looking after local people for more than 70 years.

Sandy Scott left the surgery in Milton-under-Wychwood after 35 years, a job his father held before him for 36 years.

Dr Scott, 62, who also holds the unusual accolade of being the oldest man to ever take part in the British Bobsleigh Championships, lives in the house in Church Path, Shipton-under-Wychwood, where he was born and where his father lived.

During his career, he raised funds for a transport scheme to help people reach the Wychwood Surgery, and for the Surgery Care Fund, and fought hard to try to save Burford Hospital and the Langston House care home, in Milton- under-Wychwood, both of which were eventually closed.

He took part in a number of ascents of Everest as expedition doctor, including the 40th anniversary attempt, with Rebecca Stephens, the first woman to reach the summit.

Dr Scott also helped rebuild and double the size of the Pheriche Hospital for climbers on Everest, the highest hospital in the world.

"I'm leaving the NHS, but I'll still be around for the patients."

Dr Sandy Scott

He said: "It feels wonderful at the moment. I'll still be back to do locum work.

"I'm leaving the NHS, but I'll still be around for the patients. I've got the Pheriche project to work on, and a few other things I'd like to pursue. And I've got an acre-and-a-half to look after, so I'll be on gardening leave for a while."