Dr Chandy celebrates 40 years of providing healthcare in Horden

Shinwell Medical Group in Horden is celebrating 85 years of medical care for people in Horden, Peterlee and the surrounding area. Dr Joseph Chandy came to Horden on 1 November 1970, and is celebrating 40 years at the practice. He is probably the longest serving Principal GP in Co Durham and may be one of the longest serving in UK at the moment.

Dr Chandy arrived in England in 1966 after qualifying in Kerala, India, and after serving as a paediatric specialist and GP in other parts of England he came to Horden to take up post as Principal GP. He was 29 and took over from the much loved Dr Maxwell.

The practice originated in Yoden House, West View and moved to the current site Shinwell Medical Centre on January 1988; the Medical Practice building won the Royal Town Planning award for design.

In March 1988, Dr Joseph Chandy opened the first Nursing Home in Horden and Peterlee. It was one of the first purpose-built Nursing Homes in the country and was a joint recipient of the Royal Town Planning Award. It was the largest single private investment in the village after the coal closure.

The Practice has grown from 2900 to 5700 patients and has a substantial branch in Peterlee Health centre for both doctor appointments and clinics. He is ably assisted by 3 GPs, Muhammed Sharjeel, Oliver Barnsley and our female GP Mala Kalia.

In 2006 Dr Chandy featured in the BBC 1 programme Inside Out on his ground breaking findings in relation to Vitamin B12 deficiency. You can find out more and view the documentary at the Patient Support Group web site www.b12d.org.

On the 25th September this year, Dr Chandy was awarded the Glory of India award on London for his outstanding contribution to his adopted country. Fellow awardees included Priti Patel, MP for Witham, and Baroness Verma.

On 2 November Grahame Morris, MP for Easington congratulated him "it is a magnificent achievement and is a testament to the hard work and care you have given to the community in Horden for 40 years"

To coincide with the celebrations this month, Dr Chandy has been invited to No 10 Downing Street to celebrate Diwali with David Cameron, Prime Minister on Tuesday 16th of this month.

The patients held a celebration for Dr Chandy on Thursday 11th this week where they gave an award of their own to show their appreciation.

True to form Dr Chandy has no plans to retire!

His son, also Joseph is the Business Manager and partner at the practice and is Chair of the local GP Commissioning group, an organisation that represents all practices in East Durham for purchasing services for patients.