Lee Kempton has now been with us since August 2004. He lives in Latheronwheel with his wife Rachael and their young son Connor.He enjoys walking in the local countryside and wildlife photography in his spare time. He works Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday morning.

Fiona Donn started with us at the end of August 2006, and is also working as receptionist/dispenser. She works Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Friday afternoon. She lives in Dunbeath with her partner Sandy and their 3 year old son Michael. In her spare time, Fiona enjoys playing badminton in the local hall.

Both reception staff will be happy to accept your queries, appointment requests, prescription requests, and form a first port of contact during the day for all calls.

In addition, Paula Dempsey will be working a few hours each week on administrative duties and also as receptionist/dispenser, along with providing holiday cover for the other staff. Paula moved to Dunbeath in January 2005. She has three grown up children and three grandchildren. She has many interests including reading fiction, and enjoys walking (and talking) a lot. Her job is now shared with Joanne Smith from Lybster, who has a two year old son, Jack, and also works part-time for Lybster Surgery. Paula now also works as driver for the Scottish Ambulance Service.

The practice nurse role has been taken over by Nova James, RGN, who also works at the hospital in Wick. She will be consulting on a Thursday from 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. She is highly skilled, and will be providing a supporting role in chronic disease management as well as well person screening.

Finally, Andrew Usher, Dr Usher's husband, is also providing a supporting role to the team, now being a partner in the practice. He will be dealing with any practice management issues, so please address any complaints or queries about the practice to him. Andrew is also the chief instructor of Evolved Martial Arts, and director of the Health and Fitness Alliance which offers private complementary therapies including homoeopathy. Appointments can be made at Dunbeath Surgery with Andrew Usher (see also www.hfalliance.com).

A supporting role is played by the District Nurses (primarily Marjorie Allan, but also Fiona MacPhee, Rita Sutherland and Ann Scott), the Health Visitor, Victoria, the Physiotherapist, Sylvia Craine, and the Chiropodist, Hamish Stewart.