Madison Yarbrough reports on Bacon Lane Surgery’s milestone of service

Two women and a man, sitting having a discussion — Staff and patients at Bacon Lane Surgery – (Credit – Madison Yarbrough)

After 75 years of service to communities of Burnt Oak and Edgware, Bacon Lane Surgery is both celebrating the past and looking to the future.

The practice, which was founded in 1950, hosted a lunch earlier this month where patients and doctors of past and present came together to reflect on their experiences.

I talked to several doctors and one long-time patient to find out how the practice has developed.

Senior partner, Dr Nihar Shah, spoke to me about the journey Bacon Lane has been on, and where they are currently proud to be. Dr Shah has been at the practice for 25 years, having been offered partnership after a one-year training program.

He recalled the times when everything was manual – pen and paper – and how over the years they made the switch to now be fully computerized.

The newest addition to the team, Sarah, an AI assistant, was a main talking point of the lunch, in addition to stories and memories shared.

Dr Shah described Sarah’s ability to direct patients to a pharmacy, showing them the steps for self-referral, and helping them find the nearest pharmacist for the quickest treatment.

In addition, Sarah can help with things like pregnancy and contraceptives.

Dr Shah described to me how Sarah helps with “How you can book into, for example, a hospital because you are pregnant, and what are the steps you need to take.”

I also spoke with Dr Ali Abbas Hasham, a newer partner to the practice, but one who has still seen much change take place.

He explained: “Over the years, we’ve introduced something called ‘Total Triage’, where we assess every appointment and the need for that appointment, and make sure they see the right clinician, whether that’s a physiopharmacist or a doctor, in the right time frame. And we make sure all the processes have an outcome, so you’re not getting stuck in the process.”

My final interview was with a patient, Bette Kane, a 98-year-old woman who has been with the surgery for over 50 years.

Bette, who now receives house visits due to her immobility, had nothing but wonderful things to say about the practice.

“I think it’s the most wonderful practice. I’ve always been treated like I’m at home. I really have nothing but praise for this practice.”

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