Veterinary Events and Conferences

Double Awards for Vets4Pets at Petplan Veterinary Awards

vetreportApril 18, 2016

Two Vets4Pets colleagues are still on cloud nine after being recognised at the recent 2016 Petplan Veterinary Awards.

Helen Russell, head nurse at Woking Vets4Pets, was named Veterinary Nurse of the Year, while Hollie Sawyer of Braintree Vets4Pets, received the Veterinary Support Worker of the Year award.

Both Helen and Hollie, who were shocked and delighted to win the awards, were cheered on by colleagues from their practices, the Vets4Pets Support Office and veterinary professionals.

The awards celebrate the nation’s most exceptional vets, vet nurses, practices, practice managers and vet support colleagues who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in keeping pets healthy and giving owners peace of mind.

Helen has been head nurse at Woking Vets4Pets for the last two years, but has worked as a veterinary nurse for 18 years, including a stint in Dubai.

She said: “I’m totally shell-shocked to have won. I’m just really surprised and want to say a huge thank you to everyone who nominated me.

“I’ve only ever wanted to be a veterinary nurse, so to win this national award is just brilliant; I still feel stunned now.

“I love my job and every day I go in with a smile on my face. The team at Woking is brilliant and we all work together to help every pet that comes to see us.

“I have an affinity with pets and this award is something I’m so proud of receiving.”

Sally Hopson, CEO of the Pets at Home Vet Group, said: “The independent panel of judges were not only impressed by Helen’s dedication to veterinary nursing and her great compassion, but also the level to which Helen is respected within her practice.

“She initiates great ideas, inspires others in the team to reach their full potential, and is committed to their on-going personal development.”

Hollie is the full-time receptionist at Braintree Vets4Pets and won the award, which is open to veterinary receptionists, trainee nurses and animal technicians across the country.

She said: “I was convinced I wasn’t going to win, and when I did I cried because I was so shocked and amazed that my name was read out as the winner.

“I love working with animals and have managed to turn what was once a hobby into a full-time job.

“I take time to talk to all clients and their pets to make sure they are happy with everything, particularly any nervous pets or owners.

“Now many pets are pleased to see me when they come in to the surgery.”

Sally Hopson said: “The judges were particularly impressed with Hollie’s willingness to continually offer help to her colleagues. She recently assisted colleagues hand rear a litter of week-old kittens, taking them home with her three nights a week.

“According to feedback from clients and colleagues, Hollie consistently provides outstanding customer service and has a knack of making everyone who comes into the surgery feel instantly at ease.

“Everyone at Vets4Pets is extremely proud of Helen and Hollie’s achievements, it clearly demonstrates that Vets4Pets has people who genuinely care about our clients and every pet that comes into our 359 surgeries.

“They both epitomise the ethos of colleagues across the group, going above and beyond the call of duty in keeping pets healthy and giving owners peace of mind.”

Isabella von Mesterhazy, head of marketing at Petplan, said: “Through the annual Petplan Veterinary Awards we’re able to pay tribute to the incredible work carried out by members of the veterinary profession across the UK.

“Their dedication allows pet owners to rest safe in the knowledge that, whether it’s for a routine check-up, an unexpected illness or injury or a simple procedure, their much-loved pets are in safe hands when they visit their vets.

“We congratulate Helen and Hollie on such fantastic achievements.”