In November 1843 he was absent from Muswellbrook for several days. He had gone to the Peel River to attend a soldier who had received a severe wound on the leg while arresting an escaping bushranger. In a desperate escape bid, the bushranger had seized a sword and in the hand to hand conflict that followed, the soldier was seriously wounded.

John West still found time to pursue sporting interests. He kept a racing stable and a pack of hounds. In August 1844 he was expected in Jerry's Plains for a foxhunt which was to take place and he was to bring his hounds for the purpose. The run was to commence on Robert Pringle's estate 'Carrington' . In 1845 he attended the Muswellbrook Races when his horse 'Cecil' raced. However he did not have a successful outcome on this occasion. On the first day, 'Cecil' lost to J. Bettington's 'Harkaway' who was thought to have no equal in the colony and on the second day when his horse 'Betsy' won, an appeal was lodged as she was of an incorrect height

In 1848 he was employed as Coroner in Muswellbrook and in July he held an inquest into the death of Ann Homewood who had died from serious burns. In August 1849 he held an inquest into the death of settler George Blaxland of Wollun Hills. Select here to find some of the other case he attended.

Later he moved his practise to Armidale where he remained for the rest of his life. He died in Armidale on 1st January 1869 aged 62.

University of New England holds the Account Book of Dr. John Boucher West. In it is recorded patient's names, the number of consultations conducted with each person, and occasionally the fees charged.