PATIENTS and medical staff at a surgery in Dursley are bidding farewell to a much-loved doctor who is retiring after three decades. 

Dr Tom Yerburgh who is leaving The Acorn Practice on January 7 has been described as ‘dedicated’ and a ‘very astute clinician' who was popular with patients. 

Dr Yerburgh, was part of the vaccination unit at the Vale Hospital and helped deliver thousands of vaccines to patients in Dursley, Cam, Berkeley and Wotton.

He has been referred to as a ‘practical joker’ by colleague Dr Simon Opher from Walnut Tree Practice, who worked with Dr Yerburgh at May Lane Surgery.

“I have worked with Dr Yerburgh for the last 28 years and we are certainly going to miss him,” he said. 

“He is a very astute clinician and also very popular with his patients. 

Gazette Series: Dr Tom Yerburgh has worked at the Walnut Tree Practice for 30 years Dr Tom Yerburgh has worked at the Walnut Tree Practice for 30 years (Image: British Medical Association)

“He has always been reliable and consistent and has often given me very well balanced advice.

“On top of this, Tom is a bit of a practical joker. 

“He would regularly dress up as Santa and tell awful jokes, as well as occasionally surprising us with fire crackers inside the surgery.

“We will miss his joie de vivre greatly and wish him a happy retirement.”

Reacting with surprise and sadness on Facebook, patients have spoken highly of Dr Yerburgh. 

“Wishing Tom a very happy retirement, great GP,” one comment reads. 

Another patient said: “Good luck and happy retirement Tom, hoping we see you before too long!”

Another comment reads: “Wishing you a long and happy retirement Dr Tom, you are one of the best, you will be missed.

Gazette Series: A photo of the May Lane Surgery - there are two practices based at the site Acorn and Walnut Tree A photo of the May Lane Surgery - there are two practices based at the site Acorn and Walnut Tree (Image: May Lane Surgery)

In his career Dr Yerburgh was appointed chair of Gloucestershire Local Medical Committee and a member of the British Medical Association (BMA) GP Committee. 

In December 2021 he submitted written evidence to Parliament describing issues and challenges facing GPs. 

John Hobson, chair of the May Lane patient participation group, said: “As chair I have only known Tom through our last three meetings as I’m not a Walnut Tree patient so wouldn’t normally have contact with him.

“That being said I can recall one contact which was many years ago when the surgery was based in Parsonage Street.

“I had a foot infection which required antibiotics, but came out in a rash. 

“I can’t remember the exact details but I do remember meeting him at the surgery at around 9pm to review it. 

“He met me at the surgery and changed my medication to something I wasn’t likely to react to. 

“I can’t imagine something like that happening today.”

Dr Yerburgh is planning to work at the practice occasionally during staff absences. 

If you would like to leave Dr Yerburgh a message of good wishes you can leave a card at the Acorn Practice reception.