A DOCTOR and director of one of York’s largest practices is retiring next month.

Dr John Lethem, a director at Unity Health, is hanging up his stethoscope after 28 years.

The practice is a family affair and Dr Lethem’s father, David, have worked there for a combined 60 years.

David ran the purpose-built Hull Road surgery from 1959 and his son joined him in February 1989, shortly before he retired.

Dr Lethem is retiring at the same time as his wife and hopes to spend more time with his family.

He told The Press he will miss his patients and staff the most.

He said: “It has been a privilege to work here and I have been extremely fortunate to have such a strong, loyal and dedicated team of people alongside me.

“I have every confidence that, with the great drive present within the people at Unity Health, the practice will continue to flourish and be successful.

"I look forward to watching it progress and hearing updates of new developments in my retirement.

“I have strived to do my best for my York patients.

"I have always tried to offer a holistic style of care and attention – tending to listen, rather than talk.

“I’ve learnt from both the family medicine and student health, as here at Unity Health we have the advantage of practicing a wide variety of medicine.

“It is the contact with patients and the dedicated team of staff which I will miss the most, but I hope to keep up to date with the progress of the practice as it develops further.”

A spokeswoman for Unity Health added: “This is a wonderful accomplishment and he will be sorely missed by staff, patients and all those who came into contact with him at the practice over the years.”

The practice operates three surgeries in York - one at the University of York and others at Wenlock Terrace and Hull Road.

When Dr Lethem joined the practice, there were 6,500 patients.

It has now grown to serve around 24,000 patients and is continuing to build.