After a spate of great casting news, General Hospital fans are now faced with news of a substantial exit. After ten years with General Hospital, Jason Thompson (Patrick Drake) has announced that he will exit the show. "I have made the difficult decision to bid farewell to a character I've loved playing for over 10 years. It was not an easy decision but I feel like it's time to hang up Dr. Patrick Drake's white coat and scrubs," Thompson shared in his announcement on Instagram.

Whispers of Thompson's decision to exit the ABC soap had been circulating for several weeks before Thompson's official confirmation.

"I want to thank Frank Valentini, Vicki Dummer and Paul Lee for their support and appreciate their understanding. To everyone at ABC, the General Hospital crew, producers, writers, directors, my beloved cast mates and those in my home away from home, the make-up room. I can't possibly begin to tell you want you mean to me. Most importantly, I would like to thank the fans. General Hospital changed my life and I have you to thank for that. I am forever grateful for your love and support for embracing me and this character all these years. I mean these words from the bottom of my heart: GH is family to me, and I will miss you all dearly."

Thompson debuted as Patrick Drake in December 2005. He quickly became involved in one of the show's most popular pairings with Kimberly McCullough's Robin Scorpio, a pairing fans affectionately called "Scrubs."

During his ten-year tenure with GH, Thompson has received five consecutive Daytime Emmy nominations -- three as Supporting Actor and two as Lead Actor.

Thompson's final airdate has not been announced, but there is strong speculation that Thompson won't be off-screen for long. Insiders have indicated that the actor will soon be taking on a high-profile role on The Young and the Restless.

In related news, ABC has announced that McCullough and Tristan Rogers (Robert Scorpio) will be returning to the show.

What do you think about Patrick leaving Port Charles? How do you think the character will be written out? Would you like to see Jason Thompson join The Young and the Restless? Share your thoughts in our Comments section below, on our message boards, or by submitting Feedback.