End in sight for doctor dynasty

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/wiltshire/8228318.stm

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A dynasty of family doctors which has served the same Wiltshire town for over 200 years is set to come to an end.

Six generations of Dr Maurices have served Marlborough, the first arriving in 1792.

So when Dr David Maurice, 58, steps down from Marlborough Medical Practice at the end of September, it will close a 217-year-old chapter.

Dr Maurice said: "People have said it is the end of an era in Marlborough but things cannot go on forever."

Family tradition

Dr Maurice's son James, 25, recently qualified as a doctor but is to become a hospital doctor at the Heart Hospital in London.

His great great great grandfather, Dr Thelwall Maurice, joined the surgery as a young doctor with his son David continuing the work in the 19th Century.

At points there were so many Dr Maurices working in the town, patients addressed them by first names so as not to become confused.

Dr Maurice added: "I never felt any pressure to come into it and I would never put pressure on my son to continue a family tradition.

"I felt I wanted to be a family doctor and I am glad I did."

A patient once told Dr Maurice's cousin: "Your great great grandfather brought me into the world, your grandfather saw me through childhood and your father saw me through later life. I want you to see me through to the grave."

Dr Maurice, a part-time Anglican clergyman, plans to spend more time on his work with the church.