Today, I had two reminders of one of the greatest joys of General Practice: the shared value of a longterm family doctor-patient relationship, that comes with providing care across the generations.  I hope that this joy will be shared by my successor generations of GPs, even though continuity of care – so valued by patients and esteemed by GPs – is becoming an ideal for those with chronic illness, rather than the norm for all.

First, a lady in her sixties, who reminded me about how I had looked after her baby grandson, seeing him frequently because of his severe skin problems. “He’s in his third year at university now,” she said, and we laughed together at the shared memories and the passage of time.

Second, a young man who, when we agreed it was several years since we had last met, told me happily that, according to his mother, I had been present at his birth 26 years ago.  Back then, we regularly attended home deliveries but, after antenatal care was taken out of Practices, and home deliveries reduced, our involvement in the birth of our patients ceased.  Our role may have been peripheral, but it was greatly appreciated by the baby’s parents.  I’m glad, if not surprised, that it may also be appreciated by the newborn – especially when that appreciation is expressed some 26 years later!