The Shire Medical Practice, run by doctors John Tzelvelis and Tom Parmakellis, is designed to offer the personalised service of the traditional family GP with the facilities and breadth of service patients expect in the 21st century.

Dr Parmakellis, who has worked in both his own small practice and large medical centres, says his new surgery hits the right note when it comes to patients' needs.

"People want to build up a doctor/patient relationship but in medical centres they churn you through,'' he said.

"In medical centres you often see four or five doctors, you don't get the chance to see the same doctor on a regular basis.''

Dr Parmakellis said he and his colleague, who both live locally, each work three days a week at Jannali and will do more days as they build up the practice.

"It adds up to a much better doctor/patient relationship,'' he said.

Dr Parmakellis said some doctors close to retirement were tempted to take up lucrative offers from large medical centres.

"Doctors who sell their practice to the large companies often sign themselves, their patients and their practice over for five years, and are encouraged to use providers associated with that company.''

"Doctors do get sick of running their own show, and solo practice can be difficult,'' he said, acknowledging the attraction of selling out to a large medical centre.

"But here at Jannali we offer a level of service that guarantees the continuity of your health care.''

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