A DOCTOR who “goes above and beyond” is retiring, having treated thousands of patients during her 22 years in Whitchurch.

Senior partner Dr Audrey Boucher is leaving Whitchurch Surgery and patients will have the chance to say farewell to her at an event on Friday, September 11.

She joined the centre in 1993 and it is estimated she has held nearly 150,000 appointments during her time in the town.

Dr Boucher’s retirement comes as the surgery looks to finalise its merger with Derrydown in St Mary Bourne.

She had wanted to retire last year but colleague Dr Paul Barber said it had been a “very difficult” time in terms of recruitment and she had agreed to stay on to smooth over the merger.

Dr Barber, who has worked with Dr Boucher for eight years, told the Advertiser: “She has always been very popular and goes above and beyond for her patients.

“She is a great example of a family doctor and knows people so well.

“There is a difficult recruitment crisis in general practice, but things are looking up with the merger and Dr Boucher feels it is a good time to retire.”

The two surgeries are set to merge from September 1. Both practices will remain open and plan to share staff to boost flexibility.

Dr Boucher will be replaced by Dr Dan Lickman, after he recently completed his training at Derrydown.

‘It is heartening’

Patients who wish to say goodbye to Dr Boucher, who lives in Oakley, can do so between 12.30pm and 3pm on September 11 at the Gill Nethercott Centre.

Dr Barber added: “We’ve organised it because a lot of patients want to say farewell and wish her a happy retirement.

“It’s heartening that people want to say goodbye and to know that she is appreciated.”

Some patients have expressed a wish to contribute towards a retirement present for Dr Boucher.

If you would like to do so, please hand your contribution in an envelope clearly marked “Dr Boucher retirement”, into reception by Tuesday, September 8.

Cheques should be made payable to Whitchurch Surgery.

There is also be a book in the waiting room for patients to write a special message for Dr Boucher.