By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Two much-loved local dentists are beaming warm smiles farewell as they leave Southport House Dental Practice after more than half a century between them.
Dr Jonathan Lea, who has been there for 30 years, and Dr Catherine Lapsley, who has been there for 26 years, have enjoyed looking after generations of local families in that time.
There are more than 6,000 patients currently on the books, most of them NHS patients.
The practice has been at 69 Scarisbrick New Road, Southport, since 1953 and the two departing partners have played a huge role in its history.
Southport House Dental Practice will remain open, with new owners coming in.
Jonathan and Catherine, both 61-years-old, will remain in work treating patients until 31st March.
They said: “It feels very emotional to be leaving! We have been here so long.
“It is going to be strange waking up on that first day afterwards and realising we are not coming in here to work.
“We have loved our time here. We have seen so many patients as children who have since grown up to bring their children in to see us.
“We have been very proud that the majority of our patients have remained NHS patients, while we have also offered some private appointments too.
“We have treated lords and ladies, MPs, migrant farm workers, the wonderful students of Peterhouse School, adults, children, we have treated so many people.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to all our marvellous patients and our wonderful staff who have been with us over the years.
“We have two girls who have been with us for the past 25 years – Cathy, who is staying, and Emma, who is leaving to become a teaching assistant.
“Our senior associate , Steph Lavender, has been here for 19 years.
“We are fortunate to have such a loyal team who make it such a pleasure to come into work, we are confident that Ellie and Gina will help to maintain that positivity.”
There have been many highlights over the past 30 years.
They include Jonathan being a volunteer dentist at the London Olympics in 2012, and Catherine being a volunteer dentist at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022.
What lies ahead? They are two people who have made huge contributions to Southport society both through their work, and also through playing an active part in the local community. They have raised tens of thousands of pounds through various fundraising challenges.
Jonathan said: “I might take up some more volunteer roles in dentistry. I really loved being involved in the London Olympics.
“I was a semi-professional musician before dentistry, so that’s an area where I might be able to spend some more time.
“I am a keen golfer, a member at Royal Birkdale, so I am looking forward to playing more golf, and also to the Open Championship coming to Royal Birkdale next year.
“I’m in training for another challenge – the Hike, Bike and Paddle at Coniston Old Man on 4th October in memory of Mary Masheter and Wendy Lapsley, raising money for Macmillan: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jonny-lea-1”
Catherine, who is a member of the KGV Educational Foundation, said: “I’m keen to spend some time studying. I am doing a Postgraduate course in Psychotherapy at UCLAN (the University of Central Lancashire) which is fascinating.”
They have not left yet.
Jonathan and Catherine said: “We are still here until 31st March! We are grateful for everyone who has already been in to wish us farewell.
“On Friday 28th March we will finish surgery at 4pm and then between 4pm and 6pm we are inviting patients, staff and former members of staff to call in if they would like to join us.
“Please don’t bring anything for us, but we would be glad of any donations for the Macmillan Cancer charity. Both our Mums were very well supported by Macmillan and we have always been keen to be able to give something back.
“We would like to reassure people that Southport House Dental Practice is very much remaining open, with new owners coming in. The new owners are very family-orientated. This will remain a family-led practice.”
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