Retirement Message from Dr Mary-Anne Bellamy

Dear Patients

It is with mixed emotions that I write to inform you that I will retire from general practice at the Hoon Hay Medical Centre at the end of this year.

I have enjoyed a long career in General Practice in Christchurch, with over thirty-six years of that time spent at the Hoon Hay Medical Centre. I was born and raised in Hoon Hay and I am proud that my father was the architect who designed the medical centre building, so I have always had an emotional attachment to the area and the building.

My greatest privilege has been to care for a large number of patients over the years. I have enjoyed watching babies that I delivered grow up and now have children of their own. I have been fortunate to look after three generations in many families, but especially four generations in one family.

The rewarding part of general practice is getting to know people not only as patients, but also as friends and sharing interests in conversations. There have been tough and sad times for some families and patients, and it is rewarding to be able to help them navigate through these times and also with some, through their last illness.

I think it is time to call a close to what has been an enriching and humbling journey in general practice. I have so enjoyed both the medicine and my colleagues, but most of all I have enjoyed being involved in your care and earning your trust.

I will miss you all but I depart knowing that the Hoon Hay Medical Centre will continue as a GP owned and operated practice with Drs Kirkwood, Eadon, Gilmore and Sutherland being the GP Directors and our stable team of Associate GPs and our Nurse Practitioner continuing to provide you with excellent care.

I wish you all the very best for the future.

Mary-Anne Bellamy