Dr Koyes

10/02/2026

Happy First Birthday DutyDoctor! 🎊

It was exactly twelve months ago, to the day - on 10th February 2025 - that I launched my very own company, DutyDoctor.

And what a year it's been.

From starting off all by myself, being the clinician, admin, finance, marketing - and everything else in-between - to buiilding a small team, creating an ecosystem with ten partner organisations, then being acquired and exiting the organisation as Founder & CEO within seven months of launching - it's been one crazy period, to say the least.

My mission was to create an affordable, accessible and trusted private healthcare service - not just for the rich and privileged - that is open to everyone.

I saw, with my own eyes, how so many people were struggling to get a doctor's appointment and I wanted to help. I also realised that those who often found it the most difficult to access healthcare were the ones who could least afford to go private - and I really wanted to change this.

Despite some significant lows, including the lowest point of my professional career six months ago, when I had no idea what would happen - thankfully, things worked out in the end.

When I posted on here seeking investment and then acquisition in August 2025, I had over 100 individuals or companies get in touch and show an interest.

However, I always promised myself that if I ever sold DutyDoctor, it would have to be to someone who shared the same values, ethics and morals I had - and I was so pleased when Mark Pattison and the Claranova Group came along, who embodied what I was looking for.

It's been five months since we were acquired, but I'm happy to say things have been going well and we have some very exciting plans in the pipeline, which I'm really looking forward to sharing with you.

A huge thanks to the DutyDoctor Board, all the Care ADHD team - another hugely successful company within the group - and last, but certainly not least, all of you on here who have followed my journey, supported me through the highs and lows, and been there when I needed you the most.

I can't wait to see what the future holds, whilst I proudly remain Chief Medical Officer of the organisation I once owned.

My story just goes to show that, no matter who you are, where you are from, or what you do - anything is possible.

Just think big, reach for the stars, and never stop believing in yourself - because one day you too can fulfill your hopes and dreams - just like I did.

19/01/2026

31/12/2025

In 2025, I launched my very own business - and then sold it, exiting after seven months.

In 2025, I was a Founder & CEO - but also became a Chief Medical Officer.

In 2025, I went back to becoming a salaried employee for the first time in five years - but secured a job with the best income I've ever had.

Although I feel blessed and I'm so grateful for everything, it hasn't been an easy journey.

In 2025, I had more sleepless nights than I have ever had before.

In 2025, I worked seven days a week for many weeks throughout the year, not having a break lasting longer than a single weekend.

In 2025, in terms of my professional life, I hit rock bottom - at one point, not knowing what was going to happen next, and if all my hard work and effort in recent times was even going to be worth it.

Thankfully, everything turned out ok in the end.

Looking forward, although I have ambitious goals, massive targets and some huge ideas for 2026, the biggest achievements of all will be if I can get to spend more time with my family, remain healthy and well, get some much needed rest and time off, and be able to look after and care for those I love most.

My advice to anyone out there who wishes to pursue their dreams?

Just go out there, do your thing - and don't look back.

No doubt there will be challenges along the way, some extremely difficult times, and some people who will not want you to succeed.

But keep being you, and trust your instinct.

Because no matter what happens, you tried your best - and nobody can take that away from you.

Happy New Year. 💙

26/12/2025

Seasons greetings everyone - and a big shout out to all those who have been working over the festive period!

Although many places shut down, especially on Christmas Day, healthcare and emergency services never stop.

Just like many others on here (kudos to you all!), I was working yesterday - and I'm back at work again tonight, until 2am once more.

However, I'm pleased to say I did get some precious family time in-between - and nothing beats that! ❤️

Hope all those celebrating had a wonderful day - and a belated Merry Christmas!

And for all those who weren't celebrating, who were all alone this festive period, or who were working - hope you still managed to enjoy yourself.

Not long left til the new year...

Bring on 2026! 😊

22/12/2025

Here is a sample of five cases I saw last week as a DutyDoctor GP:

1. A 72 year old lady with a chest infection, who was desperate for help, and was really struggling to get an NHS GP appointment. She had never undertaken a video consultation before, but I personally called her to talk through the process and help her complete her form and ID upload too. We've been seeing a lot of respiratory infections given the time of year, and although many are viral, some do need antibiotics.

2. A 26 year old male of Bangladeshi heritage who's wife had just started divorce proceedings. He was extremely depressed and had thought life was not worth living recently. English was not his first language, so I undertook the entire consultation in Sylheti (a dialect of Bangla/Bengali), which I can speak, and have provided him with as much help and support as we can offer.

3. A 29 year old pregnant female approaching 28 weeks of gestation, who needed a fit to fly letter so that she could travel abroad and spend Christmas with her loved ones. We've been dealing with more of these kind of cases of late, with letters received by the patient within 24 hours (but usually the same day).

4. A 45 year old male who had a suspected STI, who had already seen another private doctor but wasn't happy with the outcome and the management they provided. I went through the latest guidelines from the BASHH (British Association of Sexual Health & HIV) and he appeared to be satisfied with the outcome, and the additional medication he needed.

5. A 68 year old lady who was from the US, who was visiting family in England. She had left her medications at home and needed some more urgently. She was very hard of hearing but had her daughter helping - and we managed to get her the help she needed, with a prescription being received within minutes of the consultation ending.

I love General Practice and the wide variety of patients we see and can deal with.

And this is just a small snippet of what we have been seeing through DutyDoctor - with anxiety, depression and infections (especially respiratory) being particularly common presentations.

However, we are seeing more and more travel related letter requests (fit to fly, travel with medication and travel cancellation) and also more prescription requests.

So this Christmas period, if you or anyone else you know, needs to see a GP, please feel free to get in touch - www.dutydoctor.com

You'll get to speak to a doctor the same day or next day, with appointments in as little as an hour.

No waiting.

No phone queue.

And a lot less stress.

18/12/2025

We don't celebrate Christmas in our family.

But that's not to say we don't appreciate, value and respect the festive period, and indeed the reason why so many millions of people across the world commemorate such a momentous occasion.

And yesterday evening was a prime example of that.

My eldest daughter started secondary school in September and she had her Year 7 Christmas Service last night.

Instead of getting the school coach home like she would normally do, I picked her up myself, so we could have some precious daddy-daughter time, and took her for her favourite food (sushi), got her a Boba drink (which she loves!) and bought her a treat from a shop she really likes.

We then went to the evening service in a beautiful, historic church - and witnessed a remarkable occasion, in a room full of diversity and hope.

Despite what some of the media portrays, the overwhelming majority of Muslims are tolerant, respectful and kind individuals, who are grateful for the cosmopolitan and welcoming society that we all live in.

Just like any other community.

Unfortunately, sometimes a tainted picture is depicted - which just isn't true.

I've always been brought up to respect others of different faiths - and no faith - and I want my children and future generations to be the same.

Last night was a true reflection of this - with people from all walks of life standing side-by-side, shoulder to shoulder, in peace and harmony.

And that's exactly how it should be.

15/12/2025

Last night, during a shift in my NHS job, I felt a real sense of sadness.⁣
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I was back at the base where I used to regularly see one of my colleagues at the reception desk, who I had worked alongside for fourteen years.⁣
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However, they weren't there anymore.⁣
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They suddenly passed away just a few weeks ago. 😞⁣
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In my line of work, I deal with death on a regular basis; but that doesn't make it any easier.⁣
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We're regularly reminded of how short life can be, and how can things can change in an instant - and none of us know what could happen in the future.⁣
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So next time you see a friend, colleague or loved one, please don't forget to give them a hug, smile or even say hello - it could really make their day.⁣
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And because life is so unpredictable, let's cherish every moment we have together - and treat one another with the kindness, respect and love we all deserve.

12/12/2025

If you haven't already got your flu jab this year, please consider getting it.

It's never too late, and not only will it potentially protect you and reduce the severity of flu if you were to get the illness - but it will help all of those around you, especially those who are most vulnerable in society.

11/12/2025

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It's always nice when you come across someone who is genuinely motivated by being caring and helping others - and not just revenue and profits.⁣
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And Rim Salah is definitely one of these people.⁣
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I met Rim for the first time earlier this year, as she has her own private phlebotomy service in Bristol called Phlebo () - which has a clinic in the city centre, as well offering home visits.⁣
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We've spoken multiple times since and Rim recently came over to my office to have a chat - and it was so inspiring to hear about what she has been doing, particularly in the community, helping those who are more disadvantaged and those who struggle to access healthcare the most.⁣
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Rim also told me about some of the work she plans to do help sickle cell patients - by working with charities and community organisations, offering blood tests for those who often find it so difficult to get the help they desperately need.⁣
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As well as all the above, Rim also provides a service to our patients in the Bristol area - alongside some of our other wonderful partners.⁣
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Speaking of which, we are always looking to expand our network of partner organisations from all across the healthcare spectrum - so if you are interested in working with please let us know below and I'll be in touch!⁣
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On that note, I'll end it here with a quote about teamwork, from Henry Ford:⁣
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"Coming together is a beginning. ⁣
Keeping together is progress. ⁣
Working together is success."⁣
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10/12/2025

We know a lot of people are suffering with coughs, colds and flu-like illnesses at the moment.

Often these conditions are viral and do not need antibiotics or other prescribed treatments - however, sometimes, you can develop an ear, throat or chest infection which may need medical assesment or intervention.

If you, or anyone else, is struggling with these symptoms and you have tried general measures and over-the-counter remedies, please feel free to get in touch with us at DutyDoctor - we can offer a same or next day GP appointment (in as little as an hour), Monday to Friday, with a prescription sent to you within minutes.

www.dutydoctor.com

28/11/2025

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I'm so unbelievably proud of my youngest daughter Raniyah. ❤️⁣
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Last week, she was chosen as one of two students, out of over 600, to represent her primary on a video call to talk about how inclusive and welcoming the school is, to all the institutions in their trust - in front of over 4,000 students and several hundred staff. Remarkable!⁣
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It's so brave of anyone to do this in front of that many people - let alone an 8 year old!⁣
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Truly special.⁣
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This week, she made her first ever TV appearance - on the with - alongside my amazing wife. And both of them were absolutely incredible! (They put my TV appearances to shame, that's for sure!).⁣
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Both were so warm, smiley and personable - absolute naturals in front of the camera!⁣
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From the moment she was born, we had a feeling Raniyah was made for the stage - and earlier this year, this actually came true - as she was the youngest ever student to play a lead role in her school drama production (she was the Genie in Aladdin!).⁣
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She did such a brilliant job too.⁣
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But tomorrow, she has one of the biggest days of all - as she has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Young Muslim Writers Awards 2025!⁣
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Regardless of the outcome, we're so grateful and blessed for all the opportunities she has had - and we are so immeasurably proud of what she has achieved. ⁣
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She'll always be a winner in our eyes.⁣
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Please wish her luck!⁣
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And if anyone is able to write a kind comment/message for her - I promise I'll show her. 💙⁣

19/11/2025

⁣So this happened last night...⁣
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I'm so honoured and privileged to announce I've been included in the publication for this year's "British Bangladeshi Who's Who!"⁣
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This is an annual list of some of the most successful, influential, and well-respected members of the British Bangladeshi community, and for me to feature amongst so many incredible individuals (who are far more deserving of this award) is a real blessing.⁣
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The British Bangladeshi Who's Who 2025 was launched last night at the beautiful Meridian Grand in London, and was a fantastic celebration full of warmth, joy and happiness. ⁣
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It was really nice to see so many familiar faces and meet so many new people too, some of whom I've mentioned below (sorry if I forgot anyone!): ⁣
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Special praise has to go to my "plus-one" for the day - my brother-in-law Shah Lalon Amin - who travelled all the way from South Shields (almost 300 miles!) to be there for me - really meant a lot.⁣
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Although I'm so grateful to have been featured on this occasion, especially given the year I've had, and the journey I've been through with DutyDoctor, I want to dedicate my inclusion to all those who were not present, and to all those who did not make the list, that go about their day-to-day lives without any praise or accolades - but still make a real difference to others.⁣
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Finally, a huge thanks to the team behind last night, who pulled off such a fantastic event, but most importantly, thank you to the Almighty, and to my wonderful wife and family - without whom, nothing would be achievable.