Janet Ward came to the surgery in September 1986 as a GP trainee, working with Dr David Penwarden and Dr Robin Essame.

A popular GP at Honiton Surgery is retiring after nearly 30 years working at the practice.

Janet Ward came to the surgery in September 1986 as a GP trainee, working with Dr David Penwarden and Dr Robin Essame.

After completing her training, Dr Ward worked at the practice as an assistant and locum until becoming a partner in 1994.

Since then, she has worked with Dr Fiona Short, sharing a list of patients. As well as her clinical role, Dr Ward developed an interest in teaching and training and helped to develop strong links between the practice and the newly-formed Peninsula Medical School, now the University of Exeter Medical School.

She has also been involved in training young doctors to become GPs. Dr Ward says she plans to continue some of her work with the medical school and also work at the practice as a locum.

She added that she is ‘extremely grateful’ for all the help and support over the years from the ‘very loyal and hardworking practice team’ and the ‘excellent team of staff at Honiton Hospital’.