Veteran general practitioner John Holly has been practising in Cessnock for more than 30 years and wishes he could reopen his books that have been closed for more than five years.

"I'd love to see a lot more patients," Dr Holly said.

"They've been very good to me since I moved to the area, but I just can't manage it. If I keep opening the books, [existing patients] won't be able to see me."

Despite the desire to see more patients, the 65-year-old said the books closed at his Cumberland Street surgery to maintain the quality of care for those already in his care.

Dr Holly continues to work more than five days a week, and works as a visiting medical officer at Cessnock Hospital, but said he still couldn't keep up with demand.

He moved from South Africa to the Hunter more than 30 years ago and said there had been many changes in the region.

"Nowadays there are many people who can't get in to see a GP so they turn up at the hospital emergency," he said.

"The work load has increased so much if I was open till 10pm every day I would still be busy and it is just impossible."

Dr Holly considers himself a "traditional family doctor" and said it was "extremely important" for him to know his patients well.

He said this allowed for the best patient care possible.

"We know our patients, we know their problems and we know what has been done in the past," he explained.

"It is better for the patients and better for the doctor. High turnover practices can be more financially rewarding you give them a script and kick them out but this is not satisfying for anyone involved."

Dr Holly said he hoped to be able to continue working for at least another five years. "I have been very lucky and my patients are very loyal to me and I know the doctor shortage we are facing. In that context I will work for as long as I can."