Dr Matt Milbourn is retiring after three decades as a GP for residents of Silsden and Steeton.
Dr Milbourn, who joined the practice as a partner in 1992, said: “I have really enjoyed my time working in Silsden and it has been an honour to support our patients and their families through different medical problems.
“The doctor and patient relationship has definitely changed during my time from when the GP was the only point of contact to now having a wide team of physios, pharmacists and social prescribers involved with patient care.”
“Our role remains key in forming diagnoses from the undifferentiated symptoms that patients present with. The Covid pandemic has changed the way we work but I feel important steps are now being made to return to more face to face consultations to cope with the winter viruses and Strep A.
"Consultations for patients with anxiety and depression has increased 30% but there are now many more mental health support workers within the Practice than previously to cope with this demand.”
When Dr Milbourn started at Silsden 30 years ago the practice was in a 1970s-built flat-roofed building but in 2014 expanded into the large purpose-built premises housing over 50 staff and having the capacity to provide the Covid vaccination programme during the pandemic.
He added: “General Practice has changed enormously over the last 30 years and there is now so much more we can offer patients. With the rising demand on services it’s been hugely beneficial to join other local GPs in the new Modality AWC Partnership. I feel reassured this will provide resilience as well as offering the best aspects of local General Practice as we move into the future.”
Although Dr Milbourn is leaving General Practice he hopes to continue to provide care for patients with Diabetes in community clinics, as well as spending more time with his family.
Dr Matt Home, a colleague and partner at Silsden Medical Practice, said, “I first met Matt as one of the supervising GPs in the out-of-hours GP service. His good sense of humour together with his assured style as a GP helped persuade me to join the team at Silsden. He has continued to be both a supportive partner and friend. Myself and my colleagues at the practice will greatly miss both his leading presence and unwavering commitment to his patients.”
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