Dr Hart’s ‘Final House Call’ The Community of Bluff

After 39 years of practising medicine in the community he is proud to call his home, Dr FW Hart is grateful to have healed families, celebrated recoveries, shared in worries, and done his utmost to guide patients through times of sickness and health.

Bluff, South Africa (24 February 2026) – Many have known them as their go-to doctor when they or their loved ones showed the first signs of not feeling well. Dr FW Hart, and affectionately ‘Ricky’ to some, served the community of Bluff, south of Durban, with excellence and heart for more than 39 years.

After practising medicine in a place he’s been proud to call his home, Dr Hart now hangs up his stethoscope as he embarks on retirement.

With a heart full of gratitude, he penned a touching post, titled his “final house call”, reflecting on his professional journey and the community that made it worthwhile.

“This is not just a professional retirement for me; it is a deeply personal transition. The Bluff is where I spent almost all of my life. I walked these same streets as a boy, and I had the unique privilege of learning the art of healing from my father, who possibly served your family before me,” Dr Hart says.

He considers it an honour to have been welcomed into families’ homes as “Ricky” and appreciates his wife, Jan, for walking this journey with him from the very beginning.

“As a nurse and the true organiser of our practice, her care, wisdom, and unwavering support have been its backbone. She juggled the immense demands of the clinic with the beautiful chaos of raising our three children, and this practice would simply not have been possible without her,” he shares.

The good doctor also extends thanks to the many dedicated receptionists who have been the friendly first point of contact for so many patients over the decades.

“Their compassion and efficiency kept our little community hub running.”

This practice has had a few homes. Some may remember its inception at the Checkers shopping centre, before moving to the premises where Oxford Foods now stands and finally settling at 204 Tara Road.

But what always remained consistent was Dr Hart’s heart for people. He did not just treat patients; he cared for families.

Dr Hart has always believed that his ability to help and heal was a gift, and says he is eternally grateful to God for the grace and guidance granted to him in caring for those who attended his practice.

“It has been my humble mission to serve you not just with medicine, but with compassion, and for that, I have been continually assisted by my faith.”

Saying goodbye is bittersweet, he admits.

“While I look forward to more time with my own family and pursuing long-delayed hobbies, I will dearly miss the daily privilege of being your doctor. The relationships we’ve built, the stories we’ve shared, and the trust you’ve placed in me have shaped who I am. You have given me a career of immense purpose and fulfilment.”

While he acknowledges how the medical landscape has changed through the years, he is confident that he leaves the families on the Bluff in good hands. The practice is being handed over to a new doctor who will be starting on 2 May this year.

“Please take the time to come and meet him and give him your support. And so, this is my final “house call” to you all – a note to simply say thank you. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your lives. Thank you for the honour of serving you, just as my father did. The Bluff will always be in my heart.”

May your retirement be as fulfilling as the legacy you leave behind, Dr Hart.

Sources: Dr FW Hart

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