Coldstream doctor swaps stethoscope for outdoor pursuits

Dr Martin Hadshar had a full day of appointments last Thursday as patients visited Coldstream Health Centre to wish him well in retirement.
Martin Hadshar has retired as a GP at Coldstream Medical Practice after 34 years.Martin Hadshar has retired as a GP at Coldstream Medical Practice after 34 years.
Martin Hadshar has retired as a GP at Coldstream Medical Practice after 34 years.

After 34 years as a Coldstream GP, Dr Hadshar has retired and while looking forward to doing more walking, cycling, gardening and improving his golf, he admits he will miss his patients and colleagues.

“It’s a great privilege and feel I have been incredibly fortune to have know such great colleagues and patients,” he said.

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After completing his GP training in Cumbria, Dr Hadshar arrived at Coldstream.

“There has been a small increase in patient numbers but huge changes in work over that period,” he said. “A lot of work has shifted from hospitals to primary care, plus there is a lot more that can be done about so many things – people consult more frequently.

“We work more in teams (GPs, nurses, midwives) than we used to which I think is progressive.

“IT has come in – when I started we made paper notes, there was no internet. That has been a massive development and led to a huge increase in work.”

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For 10 years, Dr Hadshar combined his GP role with being a GP trainer and over the past four years has eased his way into retirement by reducing his working week to three days.

He is a familiar face south of the border too, with many patients from the Cornhill area using the surgery.

Coldstream GPs are joined by Dr Bridges this week.