Dr Alex Turnbull retired from Beech Hill on 31st October 2007

In 30 years of  GP life  the essence of the consultation remains unchanged. The scope of primary care has widened enormously.  We acknowledge the importance of mainly seeing the same doctor, but emphasise the  whole team strength including our energetic nursing and administrative staff.

The 'general' aspect to our work provides a huge variety of situations calling for a range of skills. I believe in clear communication, even with a Paisley accent!   Working within the Wigan community has been and continues to be a privilege and pleasure.

In addition to enjoying family life, I am often seen as an old man running on the Streets of Wigan.

Having qualified from St Mary's in London in 1973 I have now managed 30 years in the NHS and coped with at least 3 or 4 changes in the way health care is provided and still remain fairly sane.

The good news is that hopefully General Practice is still here to stay which ever political party is in power so I shall be employed for a while yet.

I got a degree in physiology (B.Sc.) from Leeds before entering medicine. I qualified from Liverpool in 1986. I worked for 4 years at Ormskirk general hospital where I did my general practitioner training. I joined the Beech Hill practice in 1991.

I undertake minor operations and co-ordinate audit within the practice.

I am a member of the professional executive committee of the Ashton, Leigh and Wigan P.C.T.

I have a keen interest in golf, and enjoy five-a-side football and cycling.

I joined the practice in 1991 having qualified in London in1984 and worked in local hospitals in Paediatrics Obstetrics Gynaecology and Psychiatry.

I now work part time as a G.P.  and the remainder of my time is spent with my 3 young children.

Within the practice I have developed an expertise in gynaecological problems and family planning being the only female doctor but enjoy treating patients of any gender!