Anita Jackson Retirement – 34 Years in the NHS

It is with great sadness that we announce the retirement of Anita Jackson who has worked at Askern Medical Practice GP surgery for the past 34 years. During this time she has led the reception team and worked tirelessly to serve the community. During perhaps one of the most difficult periods for the GP practice and community in the early 2000’s where there were no doctors, limited staff and no manager (the surgery was run by Doncaster PCT, 12 miles away) – she single handedly held the practice together. 

Her kind and joyful presence will be missed by not only the staff but also the patients who visit the surgery. We wish her all the best as she embarks on the next chapter in her life.

‘I have worked within the NHS for 34 years, the past 17 years being with the Askern Medical Practice working alongside Professor Vijay Kumar & Team from 2003 – the practice formerly known as The Spa Surgery.

What a change I have encountered over those years! From handwriting repeat prescriptions and running drop-in surgeries, sometimes not knowing how many patients would turn up to see a doctor, to learning a computer programme and printing prescriptions and booking appointments amongst other things.

Attending TARGET training sessions were always very interesting where we looked forward to meeting other practice teams along with some incredibly good training.

As Senior Receptionist I had lots of duties and responsibilities, too many to mention. The main ones being in charge of our team but most important of all to provide a friendly and efficient service to our patients. I have also been a Fire Marshall and amongst other things most recently, was appointed Gypsy/traveller champion.

I have worked with some remarkable reception staff that I have mentored in their training. I am lucky to have worked with them as they have remained my friends.

Of course there has been some stressful times during my time with AMP but the happy times outweigh them. For instance our annual Christmas party where we got together with our branch surgeries and had such a good time, eating drinking and dancing. 

I have made several attempts to retire but always changed my mind knowing that I would miss my colleagues, doctors and our lovely patients, some of whom would come to me for advice or just a little chat.

Askern Medical Practice has been and always will be a major part of my life and as I embark on a new chapter, I am leaving with the fondest of memories.’

Anita Jackson