A GP practice is set to close later this year following the retirement of a long-serving and popular doctor and ongoing recruitment challenges.
Patients have been informed that Dr Mike Brookes will retire on May 29, 2026, with Reeth Medical Centre, which he runs with wife Marie, closing permanently on the same date after efforts to recruit a replacement GP were unsuccessful.
In a letter to patients, the couple say the decision has “incredibly hard”, citing increasing pressures on small surgeries alongside personal and family commitments.
They say: “After many years of working in General Practice, the increasing pressures on small surgeries, alongside personal and family commitments, have made it clear that this is the right time for us to step back. We have thought about this very carefully over a long period, and it is not a step we have taken lightly.
“We know this news may feel upsetting and unsettling, especially for those who have been with us for many years and built strong, personal relationships with us and the team.
However, reassurance has been given that patients will continue to have access to GP services.
Responsibility for ongoing care will fall to the local NHS Integrated Care Board, which will ensure arrangements are put in place in line with national regulations.
Patients have been told they do not need to take any immediate action, with medical records remaining within the NHS and further details about future provision to be shared in due course.
In their message, the couple expressed their gratitude to patients for their support over the years.
They said: “It has been a privilege and an honour to serve this community – to share in your joys and milestones, and to support you through illness, loss and uncertainty.
“The relationships we have built here, and the trust you have placed in us, are something we will always treasure.”
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The most amazing practice. We had to move on recently due to relocation but we will never find a practice with such an amazing and dedicated team. A well deserved retirement and family time.
How sad to hear such sad news, this has made me very upset about a genuine and wonderful doctor to lose extremely sad. Reeth will not get a finer doctor, we had some good chats together especially when he said he would take the institutes advanced driving test, perhaps he will now. I’ll miss the odd chat to Marie when making an appointments. I told Michael many times he can’t go before me. However, I wish you well Michael,Marie, and the children for the future what ever you may be doing. Remember, please call in if or when you’re passing. Yours affectionately Richard Bates.