Long-serving and well-respected Whanganui Rheumatologist Dr Guy Taylor has retired from private and public practice at the Whanganui Hospital after 28 years of providing medical care for the community.

Philip Kearney (CE, Arthritis NZ), Dr Guy Taylor, three members of the Whanganui Arthritis Support Group, David, Lynn and Liz, and Tory Garnham (Arthritis Assist Team Lead, Arthritis NZ).

Dr Taylor has earned a reputation as one of the region’s top rheumatologists in the Whanganui region where people struggle for specialist services. He will be sorely missed by many in the community.

“I’m sorry to see Dr Guy Taylor retire; the calibre of his work and his advice has been hugely valued for the Whanganui, Mid-Central region. We wish him well with his retirement.” – Philip Kearney, Arthritis NZ.

The Whanganui Arthritis Support Group held a morning tea for Dr Taylor to thank him for all the support, care and hope he has given the community and the group’s members.

“We have had so many favourable comments on Dr Taylor’s professionalism throughout consultations, his great advice, and his wonderful caring nature. Dr Taylor has also supported us as a group, being our speaker at many seminars and meetings. If I remember rightly, at an early talk on Polymyalgia/Fibromyalgia, we had nearly 100 people attend.” – David Orr, Whanganui Support Group Chairperson.

Dr Taylor reflected with the group on living well with arthritis:
“It can be a journey being diagnosed with an inflammatory condition. Finding the right medication which works for you can take time and patience. Once we figure out this, your health outcomes will improve. Diet, exercise and mental health tools are also crucial for your overall health and wellbeing.”

Arthritis NZ has a library of resources that can support you in living well with your arthritis. Finding the best combination of medications, treatments and lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and nutrition, can take time. There is no single remedy for everyone and finding the best combination is a journey. For more information, contact Arthritis Assist on 0800 663 463 or email info@arthritis.org.nz 

The Whanganui Arthritis Support Group meet on the 2nd Monday of the month at Coopers Café from 10 am. New members welcome!