A POPULAR family doctor has hung up the stethoscope and written his final prescription after more than 30 years in the profession.

Dr Richard Smye, senior partner at Somerville Medical Centre in Wallasey, was given a warm send-off by colleagues and staff, both current and former at his retirement party.

When the father-of-two joined the practice in 1985, it was based in Poulton Road with just two consulting rooms but later moved to purpose built premises in nearby Gorsey Lane, where he has seen enhancement to the range of services available to patients.

His GP colleague, Dr Paul Wilson, who has taken over the mantle of senior partner, paid tribute to Dr Smye's hard work and commitment.

He pointed out that he estimated that during Dr Smye’s years at at the practice, he had a staggering 165,000 consultations, not including home visits and minor surgical procedures.

He has also been involved in local medical committees and during a sabbatical published a book about medical matters in Wallasey.

Dr Wilson added: "He has been a popular, in demand doctor over the years and saved many lives and provided a sympathetic listening ear.

"He has always been cheerful and approachable with time to spare for sorting out problems".

Also at the farewell was Dr Smye's wife, Julie, with whom he is travelling to Japan, Taiwan and Beijing this summer for an eagerly anticipated holiday accompanied by their son James, whose fiancee is in Taiwan.

Their other son Michael, father of their granddaughter Lucy, is a GP near Leeds.

Dr Smye, 58, who lives in Heswall, said: "I'm looking forward to retirement though I am sad about leaving.

"I will miss the patients and staff but I plan to keep my hand in in some ways".

Meanwhile he is planning to devote some of his new found leisure time to his hobbies of fishing, photography and playing the guitar.