GP Partner Dr Hipwell retires from Oundle after nearly two decades

She was given gifts and a celebratory send off by colleagues at the practice and is looking forward to spending more time with her family, completing the construction of her home and competing in equestrian events.

Dr Hipwell trained at St Thomas's hospital in London before becoming a GP, working firstly at a city centre practice in Cambridge before moving to Oundle. She said: 'I have been incredibly privileged to have worked here for 19 years, it has been a fantastic experience. The thing that makes me enjoy it more than anything else is the teamwork and support … the whole team works so hard providing care.'

She told her colleagues: 'You really are amazing; what you did with the first round of vaccinations on top of providing your normal care, was absolutely incredible. I know you will all rise to the other challenges that come along and I wish you all the best.'

Lakeside Chair and fellow GP Partner Dr Mike Richardson spoke about Dr Hipwell's skills and achievements: 'Being a GP is about commitment to the practice and caring for patients, hard work, adaptability, learning and teaching. There is so much that Penny can be proud of and she fits all of those criteria as a GP. She has done great work creating a partnership with Polebrook and is embedded in the local community, making efforts on behalf of everybody.'

He told her: 'I am sure you will enjoy a lot more time devoted to family and your horses and I wish you a happy retirement. On behalf of the Partners and staff here, thank you and well done!'