Dear All,
as I am very soon to return to the P.B.C., this email is quite timely, and it prompts me to send my apologies, that for health reasons, I have been strongly instructed to retire from all matters of work, and any other stressful responsibilities.
A little background.
Both myself and my sister suffer from High Blood pressure which is made very much worse under stressful conditions. We both have had responsible jobs (which we trust we did well) but we both have the tendency to live and breathe our responsibilities, not being able to do say half a job, or to take issues in our stride.
This year my sister failed to take medical advice, continued to try to cope with avoidable life stresses, her blood pressure went sky high, she then had a brain hemorrhage and a stroke, and is now unable to speak. She can no longer work, or drive, and whilst she is now stable, it is rather too late for her !
Over recent years I have declined serving on the P.B.C. committee as a part response to the above problem, but especially last winter, even my unofficial role took its toll and it seems I am starting to suffer very high blood pressure, like my sister (and indeed my parents who both died at a very early age).
I have therefore been strongly instructed by our family physicians to avoid all avoidable stress.
I have therefore now fully retired from all work, hung up my own stethoscope, retired from my own company, and now must inform all you good guys at the P.B.C. that I cannot no longer offer the assistance and detailed attention, I have tried to give in the past. This also includes serving on any committees, de facto auditing of the accounts etc etc.
I admire those of you who serve, and am especially jealous of those who manage to separate such stress from their health, sadly, try though I have, I cannot.
Now, without almost any responsibility, I am pleased to say my B.P. is now completely normal, without medication, so proving my medical advisers are correct.
This may seem a cowards way out, but the facts and advice are quite stark, and staring me in the face, so sadly I feel I have no choice.
Although the P.B.C. situation is far from perfect, I do feel we have all made great progress in recent years, in increasing transparency, responsibility, and exposing if not entirely avoiding/solving many areas of concern.
I do hope folks understand, I wish the P.B.C. all the very best.
Kindest Regards from Dr Robert (Bob) A Wells. (Resident - Past, Present, and hopefully for sometime in the Future.)