End of an era as Sudbury dentist and nurse duo set to retire after 30 years as team

A dentist and nurse, who have given almost 80 years of service to a Sudbury dental practice between them, will bid farewell to the surgery on the same day at the end of this week.

Dr Robert Bradbury, 61, the principal dentist at Bank Buildings Dental Surgery in Sudbury, and nurse Elaine Covey, 62, are set to retire with a joint leaving party after their final day on Friday, June 29, having worked together for more than 30 years.

The pair have become well known in the town during their long tenure, with Dr Bradbury, who lives in Long Melford, having joined the practice in 1983, while Ms Covey, from Sudbury, has worked there since 1976.

Dr Bradbury told the Free Press they had both enjoyed getting to know the community, in some cases treating as many as five generations of the same family.

However, he said they agreed now was the right time to call it a day, with an increase in red tape a factor in the decision.

“We decided we would leave at the same time. When you have worked with somebody that long, it’s like a mutual decision,” he said.

“Elaine has been an excellent assistant. We have always been on the same wavelength and gelled as a team.

“It has been a great town to work in. I feel like I have been able to make the town my own. The patients have mostly been very good and I am, of course, very grateful for their loyalty.

“A lot of my patients are like old friends. Some of them, I have been seeing the entire time. I pass people in the street who I know every day and I like it that way.

“As far as the dentistry goes, it has changed a lot.

“The regulations and box ticking required these days can be very frustrating, but I’ve always been very careful not to let it get in the way of patient care.”

He added they have both been overwhelmed by the number of cards and messages they have received.