A doctor who is passionate about saving lives is preparing to head into retirement

Doctor Fiona Andrews will be retiring as a GP in Wells early next year.

She will also be stepping down as a volunteer responder for the Norfolk Accident Rescue Service (NARS).

Dr Andrews, who qualified 35 years ago, started her responding with the Suffolk Accident Rescue Service when living in Suffolk back in 2008.

She jumped over to NARS when she and her critical care paramedic husband Mark moved to North Norfolk in 2020 - where they would work together.

“I’ve had immense job satisfaction, both from general practice and responding for the ambulance service,” Dr Andrews said.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Doctor Fiona Andrews with her husband, Mark Milsom, a critical care paramedic, who also works for NARS Doctor Fiona Andrews with her husband, Mark Milsom, a critical care paramedic, who also works for NARS  (Image: NARS)

“The ambulance service gave me a team approach, working alongside a crew and in the community.

"As a GP, you tend to work individually, when you close the door it is just you."

Throughout her volunteering, she developed a real passion for training people for immediate life support.

She highlighted the importance of the immediate response following a cardiac arrest - which can increase the odds of survival.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Mark Milsom and Dr Fiona AndrewsMark Milsom and Dr Fiona Andrews (Image: Archant)

Dr Andrews became an advanced life support instructor, and then the medical director of the training courses at NARS.

“It feels like I am passing on a legacy to the next generation with the training I am leaving behind,” She added.

“It feels like a big success and we are handing something on.”

Steve Maddams, a member of NARS senior leadership, said: “We would like to thank Fiona for all the dedication she has given to the patients that she has attended for NARS and also SARS over many years. 

"Her passion for helping others is truly inspiring and we hope Fiona enjoys her well-earned retirement however we are also pleased Fiona will still assist with training for clinicians within the charity”.