I WAS saddened to learn the departure of a Leigh family doctor.

A disillusioned Dr Hans-Christian Raabe, who came to Leigh just four years ago, has decided he's had enough and is heading for pastures new in Canada.

Unbelievably Dr Raabe, who has experienced health authorities in four different countries, says his time in Leigh has seen him working under the most difficult conditions he has ever encountered.

His numerous pleas to address the Ashton, Leigh and Wigan Primary Care Trust directors on the many problems he hoped to iron out fell on deaf ears, and he claims to have been told he had high expectations. Surely as a medic he should have.

At 40 Dr Raabe is an "old fashioned" GP who always finds time for patients and gives a listening ear. As a result he is greatly respected.

In a letter stating his reasons for departure he says that despite the frustrations he has had many positive encounters with patients and hopes that he has been able to help some.

He certainly has. Were it not for him my dad wouldn't be here today and for that I thank him. All I can say is that Leigh's loss is Toronto's gain.

However, they say no-one is indispensible and when Dr Raabe says goodbye he will leave equally caring GPs behind at Bengal Street.