One of Oxshott’s longest-serving doctors has announced his retirement after 30 years.

Doctor Nicholas Down will retire from Oxshott Medical Practice at the end of March, after a quarter of a century working there as a senior partner.

When he started there were no computers and a small treatment room the size of a small office.

Appointments could not be booked in advance and surgeries were often overcrowded with patients waiting to be seen.

Dr Down said: “We were also on duty every third night and weekends and would often visit patients well past midnight and get up a few hours later to start our mornings, somewhat worse for wear.”

The practice has changed dramatically since its humble beginnings, with expanded premises, a 24-hour blood pressure machine, an ECG machine, liquid nitrogen, emergency defibrillator and much more.

Dr Down is retiring just before his 55th birthday, after careful consideration, and will emigrate to the USA in June to develop his career as a professional artist, photographer and film maker.

He said: “I would like to express my thanks to all my patients who have supported me over the years and who have been patient with so many changes; to all of the staff who have diligently helped us create a thriving family practice; to our sessional doctors who have proved invaluable; to Dr Jackie Pickin, and, of course to Dr Richard Draper who has been a superb partner for a quarter of a century.

“I have every confidence that he will steer the practice confidently through the turbulent waters ahead and that he and the new partner, Dr Mark Jenkins will continue to provide the village with a personal and friendly style of practice for many years to come.”