A FORMER Black Cats club doctor is to hang up his stethoscope after almost three decades of serving a city community.
Dr Arthur Crummie is to retire after 26 years at Monkwearmouth Health Centre.
Originally from Dundalk, in Ireland, he arrived on Wearside in 1986 after qualifying as a doctor.
“I’ve really enjoyed working in such a close-knit practice and the vast majority of the patients are a pleasure to know and help,” he said.
“Just last week, I examined a baby and I realised it was the fifth generation of that family.”
During his time in Sunderland Dr Crummie also acted as the Sunderland AFC club doctor for a decade between 1986 to 1996, working with managers such as Denis Smith and Peter Reid.
And the Irishman was on the bench for the Black Cats as they reached the 1992 FA Cup final, which they lost 2-0 to Liverpool.
“It was a great experience and I had a good relationship with the likes of Gary Bennett, Kevin Ball, Gordon Armstrong and Tony Norman.”
The 60-year-old, whose last official day of work will be January 31, says he now intends to enjoy cycling, travel with wife Anne and spend more time with his family.
Dr Crummie’s practice partner Dr Karthil Gellia will take over the running of Monkwearmouth Health Centre.
The centre’s administration team has also been given a boost after it was nominated for a Sunderland Echo Best of Health Award.
The practice was nominated for its work at last year’s ceremony and also in 2009.
Heaping praise on his staff, Dr Crummie said: “They are fantastic and I hope they win.”
Twitter: @davidallison88
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