Patients pour praise on retiring doctor

Meanwhile, Dr. McNeice’s friends and colleagues at Dromore surgery have themselves marked the popular physician’s departure at a barbecue attended by medical staff, past and present.

A surgery spokesperson said, “A recent event was held to mark the retirement of Dr. Roy McNeice from Dromore doctors’ surgery.

“Dr. McNeice has been a senior partner in the practice for over 30 years and recently retired after a period of ill health.

“Gifts were presented by staff and partners to mark the occasion, which was attended by previous medical staff.”

Tributes to the valued doctor have been coming in, including a number on The Leader’s Facebook page, where Gordon Lightbody said simply, “He will be sorely missed as a kind and compassionate doctor.”

Lorraine Walker was among those to wish Dr. McNeice “the very best” on his retirement.

“You were my doctor for over 20 years and (I) found you the most caring, doctor I’ve ever met,” she said. “I’m really going to miss you not being my doctor anymore, but would love to wish you the very best in your retirement.”

Bridget Salt (nee McCrory) said, “Enjoy your retirement Dr. McNeice. I always found (you) very approachable and a true gentleman. Thank goodness I never had to visit with you all that often, but whenever I did I knew I was in good hands and always left with a reassured feeling. Thanks for your years of work with the Dromore people. All the best for your future.”

Former Dromore resident Cheryl Graham had this to say to Dr. McNeice, “It’s so sad that you have retired; you used to be my doctor when I used to live in Dromore with my granny. You were the best doctor ever. Best wishes for the future.”

And in a particularly emotional tribute, one local woman spoke of how much she would miss a doctor she clearly considers irreplaceable.

“Dr. McNeice was my only rock,” she said, “the only person who I could really open up to in my bad times.

“Dr. McNeice always listened and always sincerely gave me his full attention without the worry of my appointment going over its time.

“I miss Dr. McNeice so much and I will never have anyone like him again to confide in, but I wish Dr. McNeice all the very best for his retirement. . . my sincere thanks to Dr. McNeice for all he has done for me over the years since I joined the Dromore surgery.”