‘I’ve loved caring for them’

After 66-years Dr Patrick Tomasiello has taken his last appointment as the retiring GP says goodbye.

Bribie Island retiring doctor Dr Patrick Tomasiello with his staff Rebecca Lewis, Rachel Freestone and Kristy Chapman. PICTURE: ALAN QUINNEY

After spending a lifetime devoted to caring for patients, Banksia Beach GP Dr Patrick Tomasiello is finally stepping down.

The beloved GP, who is 89 and had practices in Redcliffe, Morayfield and most recently at Banksia Beach Medical/Team Care Community Health, said his work had given him so much joy.

“You see patients for so long over such a long period of time and you become not just their doctor but their friend,” he said.

“There have been a lot of tears here over the last few weeks – I am very sad,” he said. “I get quite emotional. There will be lots of hugs. It’s a wonderful place.”

Retiring doctor Dr Patrick Tomasiello who is retiring. PICTURE: ALAN QUINNEY

Dr Tomasiello thanked all his “wonderful staff” and patients, “all the generations of families, of each and every age group.

“I have loved caring for them. It’s been a joy and the satisfaction has been immense,” he said. “And the staff over the years have been so loyal and I will be forever in their debt.”

Patients and family have taken to Team Care’s Facebook page to thank Dr Tomasiello for his support.

Among them was Gordon Spreadborough who wished “Dr Tom” the best in his retirement.

He added: “Thank you for all your kindness and help over the last 35 years you will be missed very much by all your patients and the Bribie community in general”.

Dr Tomasiello, who is looking forward to spending more time with his family and some time in the garden, said he was also keen to rekindle his love of mathematics.

Some 66 years ago, the keen mathematician and former St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace graduate considered following his first love - maths - and taking up a career in engineering.

“I really wanted to be an engineer,” the 89-year-old GP said.

“I loved mathematics and I was very good at it but my father was really keen on me becoming a doctor … so I became a doctor.”