A brief history – Sandy Smeaton, Senior Partner 1949 - 1978
The Hackwood Partnership can be traced back to Dr. Rees Thomas, who practised from his house in Cross Street in the early years of 20th century. Little seems to be remembered about him other than visiting his country patients in a pony and trap. Dr. Kelly succeeded him in the Practice and the house in the early 1930s. In his early days he is known to have visited patients in Old Basing and Cliddesden by bicycle. The war years were spent in the RAMC – his patients were cared for by his colleagues in the town during his absence.
The National Health Service was introduced in 1948, without the whole-hearted enthusiasm of the G.P.s in the town. When I joined Dr. Kelly a year later there were still problems to be solved, but it was obvious that the NHS was here to stay. It was agreed that I would move into the house in Cross Street with my wife and family and for the next 12 years we “lived over the shop” – not to be recommended as a way of life.
The population of the town increased steadily throughout the 1950s, even before Basingstoke became a designated “New Town” – Dr. Side joined us and Dr. Blade replaced Dr. Kelly when he retired in 1960. Within two years we left our old-fashioned surgeries in Cross Street for the modern purpose built Health Centre at Bramblys Grange. Dr. Macve joined us and for the first time we had the whole health care team under one roof. Finally, Dr. Richardson joined us in 1975. General Practice took on a new meaning for doctors and patients alike.
During the past half century enormous advances have taken place in the provision and the standard of medical care in the community. Thirty years on the Partnership has moved to Essex House. The personnel have changed just as the practice of medicine has changed, but I continue to be impressed with the success of The Hackwood Partnership in blending the best traditions of the past with the high-tech nature of medicine today”.
Hackwood History Update
Dr Smeaton wrote the words above when the Practice moved to Essex House in1997.Since then General Practice has undergone many changes, which are still happening, and which will undoubtedly continue to happen. The Hackwood Partnership has reflected these changes and worked hard to keep up with the pace of change
Dr Richardson continued as Senior Partner until he retired from the Practice in 2002, but he continued to do medical work in the area, only stopping on his 70th birthday! Dr Heathorn took over from him and Dr Freeman became Senior Partner.
Dr Freeman has since retired, handing over the reigns to Dr Wright. The Practice expanded with the arrival of Dr Tighe (who had completed his GP training here) joining as a Partner. Our assistants Dr Sykes and Dr Turner have helped us keep up with the rising need for appointments and they were joined by Dr Radhakrishnan (another of our former trainees).The Practice Nurse team has also expanded and become highly skilled especially in the areas of nurse triage and chronic disease management.
At the time of writing (August 2009) Dr Botting is settling in as Dr Freeman's replacement. She is a full-time partner here at the practice and has been given a very warm welcome by staff and patients alike.
The Hackwood Partnership Vision is:
To be seen, respected and acknowledged as the best practice in Basingstoke by our patients, our people and the PCT. We aim to deliver a service of care that:
- Is high quality
- Is comprehensive
- Is accessible
- Promotes self-reliance and a positive attitude to healthy living
- Utilises our multi-skilled team
- Embraces local and national priorities.