Rob Seddon-Smith 

Rob Seddon-Smith and his family moved to Christchurch from Bolton in Lancashire (in Rob’s words home of the mighty Bolton Wanderers FC) almost four years ago.

“We had never been to New Zealand before and were unsure of what we would find. Our five children, aged from two through to eight at the time, had no trouble settling in to life here - they were 'locals' within a fortnight!”
 
“It took a lot of getting used to charging patients for services after being used to a free service but I would never advocate free services now. I have the freedom to develop my practice to a standard that no sole practitioner in the UK could hope to match and that few group practices can approach. All this comes because I can charge for additional services.”
 
Rob kicked off his adventure in NZ working for the 24 Hour Surgery in Christchurch, intending to find a GP placement. 

“I found that the work at the 24 Hour Surgery was appealing and I was with friendly colleagues and so one year became two. Besides, my wife was missing her family and we weren't quite ready to commit to a practice.”
 
“Sumner Health Centre came up for sale and it was just too good an opportunity to miss so a year ago I bought it and haven't looked back.”

“I enjoy being a GP in a local community that really appreciates my efforts on their behalf and almost never abuses the service. I have honed my IT and business skills whilst making a lot of friends.”