Doctor in the house

The residents of Birtley House have their own GP, Dr Timo Rinttila, who visits the home weekly. Dr Timo, as we know him at Birtley.

Here he answers our questions about his work with Birtley.

How long have you been GP at Birtley House?

I started my weekly visits to Birtley House more than a decade ago. It was January 2013 and I had recently joined the Wonersh Surgery as a salaried GP. During my first visit, I remember being truly impressed by the lovely building and the grounds. I had certainly never set foot in such a nursing home before!

What brought you to Birtley?

I had studied medicine in Guy’s King’s and St Thomas’ Medical School in London and qualified as a junior doctor in 2004. After several hospital jobs, mandatory National Service in my home country of Finland, and more hospital jobs, I decided to embark on General Practice training in Guildford. This is how I came to work with the residents at Birtley.

What do you like about general practice?

General practice is a lifelong learning process and even though there are medical conditions that we get used to treating, there is much more to general practice than just medicine and patients. Over the years I have encountered a wide variety of patients and medical problems, whether they are physical, emotional, or social. Each face carries a unique story, and through the years at Birtley House, I have been fortunate to share in the joys and challenges that come with ageing.

What do you enjoy most about your work at Birtley?

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work here has been the opportunity to take a holistic approach to healthcare. It’s not just about treating ailments, it’s about thinking of the quality of life. In the later stages of life, a compassionate ear can be as valuable as any prescription. I have always been impressed by the nurses and supporting staff at Birtley House and feel they are a real asset to the organisation. Birtley has a patient-centred ethos that has stayed constant over the past ten years.

What is the secret to a strong doctor/patient relationship?

Consistency is essential in building trust and forging relationships. Birtley’s residents have come to look forward to my visits, and I, in turn, truly enjoy every moment spent looking after them. It is a privilege to serve as their GP, and I look forward to continuing this journey with these incredible individuals and all the staff at Birtley.