BALLASALLA Medical Centre welcomed a new doctor and nurse to its team to replace Dr Curphy Taggart and his wife Dee, who both retired last month.
Dr John Longan qualified in London in 1979, was a GP in Lowestoft initially and then in Guernsey, so he is well suited to island life.

Since 2004, he has covered locum posts in the Manchester and south Lake District areas. Keen on water sports, he is looking forward to continuing his interest in the Island.

Carole Staples joins the practice from Swindon in Wiltshire. She qualified in 1987 at St James's hospital in Leeds.

She has had experience in a wide range of health care provision including all aspects of practice nursing.

They join a team that is very well established. Dr Alison Blackman, has been with the practice for 23 years, prior to this she spent 13 years developing the diabetes clinic at the hospital and many of her diabetic patients followed her to Ballasalla's practice.

Dr Jane Hockings joined the practice in 1995 and she also works sessions at Noble's Hospital and the hospice, so brings her strengths in care of the elderly and palliative care. Dr Hockings will work part time.

Mary Manuja is another practice nurse meaning a nurse is available four and a half days a week.

'The Ballasalla practice prides itself on the loyalty of their staff,' said Dr Blackman. 'And we hope this team will remain together offering general practice in Ballasalla for many years to come.'