Overseas mission for Norfolk Christian doctor

Norfolk Christian GP, Dr David Watson is set to leave the county for Africa to take on work overseas with a Christian educational charity , after 30 years of serving his patients.

Dr David Watson, 60, is retiring officially at the end of June, but will quit the Central Surgery practice in Gorleston, where he has worked for 34 years, on June 17 when he will embark on a new challenge in Africa.

Mr Watson, who lives in Gorleston, will be working with the charity Fields of Life Trust, a Christian organisation which helps build schools - primarily in Uganda but also Burundi, Rwanda, Congo and Kenya.

Although it will be a change of direction in terms of career he is no stranger to foreign soil, and during his time as a GP worked as far a field as Western Siberia, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Algeria, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Mr Watson has also spent time visiting North Sea oil rigs where he assessed and recommended improvements in medical care for oilfield workers.

He said: “I want to utilise my experience in Uganda looking at health education, sanitation, basic treatments and immunisation and the recruitment and training of national staff.

“I also hope to involve local schools colleges and organisations with particular projects. I have already received great support from, friends and patients, Lynn Grove High, Yarmouth College, and several social groups and professional organisations in Gorleston.”

The Field of Life Trust relies on unpaid volunteers, highly skilled in their various spheres. Mr Watson's role will be to help provide medical care in the schools and communities.

Mr Watson followed in his father's footsteps by going straight into the medical profession from school. His father David worked as a family GP single-handed from home and also along with Mr Watson's mother Lois, a missionary in China.

But Mr Watson, who has two daughters, Vickie and Abigail with his first grandchild on the way, promises he will also be keeping a base in Gorleston and will still be will still be contactable through the Central Surgery.

He said: “I have been the beneficiary of a great group of patients for whom there has been mutual respect and I have been overwhelmed by the kind and moving words contained in cards and letters, personal gifts and donations to charity. I want to pass on a big thank you.”

Read more about Dr Watson and Fields of Fire on our sister website Network Yarmouth