The well respected obstetrics and gynaecology surgeon who’s given 30 years of service at Dubbo Base Hospital retired yesterday.

Hospital staff presented the “talented” surgeon with fishing equipment to kick start his retirement dream during a farewell afternoon tea.

“I will be travelling to New Zealand first, then trying my hand at fishing, painting and doing up an old house at Merewether,” Dr Jackel said.

Dr Jackel, 64, began his medical career in 1970 when he graduated from Monash University in Melbourne, he trained in Queensland and the Royal North Coast Hospital before moving to Dubbo in 1981.

Life in the labour ward has changed a lot over the years.

“Husbands weren’t allowed in the labour ward at one point,” Dr Jackel said.

“Technology has also changed particularly with monitoring, once upon a time about 12 per cent of births at Dubbo Base Hospital were cesarean sections now there are about 26 per cent of cesareans done.”

Having the privilege of being involved in birth was the best thing about the job, Dr Jackel said.

“Most of the time what I do is during a happy occasion it’s not like dealing with illness like other surgeons do.

“I will miss the little things like saying hello to the maintenance man or the cleaner when I pass them in the corridor.”

Maternity nurse unit manager Tracey Roach said Dr Jackel will be sorely missed but fondly remembered.

“Dr Jackel’s leaving is a loss for Dubbo, he’s a knowledgeable and experienced surgeon who is calm, kind and well respected,” Ms Roach said.