Winners announced for 2012 Vet of the Year Awards

Watch all the finalists' videos now!

Following a nationwide search to find the UK’s top veterinary professionals for 2012, Petplan, the UK’s largest pet insurer provider, has announced the winners of the prestigious Veterinary Awards.

The Petplan Veterinary Awards, often referred to as the ‘Oscars’ of the veterinary world, recognise and celebrate staff and practices throughout the country that have delivered an exceptional level of care to the nation’s pets and their owners.

Isabella von Mesterhazy, Petplan’s Head of Marketing, is thrilled by the ongoing success of the awards, she said: “Britain is known to be an animal-loving nation and pets play a central part in family life. The Petplan Veterinary Awards give us the opportunity, on behalf of all pet owners across the UK, to thank the veterinary profession for the outstanding service they provide.”

She added: “This is the 13th year of the awards and we received over 3,000 nominations, a record number for the vet awards, which really highlights the high regard that the profession and pet owners have for these awards.”

 

The winners for each category are:

Vet of the Year

Winner

Zaila Dunbar Queens Park Veterinary Clinic – London

What really stood out was Zaila’s brilliant balance of medical knowledge and emotional empathy. She was described as an immensely caring and compassionate vet who goes above and beyond the call of duty.

The other finalists were:

Tony Barnes, Manor Veterinary Clinic - Folkestone

Mark Taylor, Feldon Veterinary Centre - Bedworth

 

Vet Nurse of the Year

Winner

Lucy Kells Wildlife Aid Foundation – Leatherhead

Lucy’s dedication and inspiring manner put her above the other finalists. She is described as leading by example and always striving for improvement. Some of her colleagues have even dubbed her the ‘Florence Nightingale of the animal world.’

The other finalists were:

Rachael Harris, Elms Veterinary Surgery – Monmouth

Sarah Algar, Brentknoll Veterinary Centre Ltd - Worcester

 

Vet Support Staff of the Year

Winner

Sarah Bowler Holly House Veterinary Surgery – Knutsford

Sarah’s genuine and sincere attitude towards her job and the dedication shown towards her surgery really stood out for the independent panel of judges.

The other finalists were:

Jane Wyatt, George Hunt and Son – Poynton

Cathy Campbell, Haygate Veterinary Centre – Telford

 

Vet Practice of the Year

Winner

Eastcott Veterinary Hospital – Swindon

Eastcott's involvement with the community really impressed the judges, which includes charity fund raising. The veterinary hospital recently organised a Team Adventure Challenge raising £10,000 for guide dogs.

The other finalists were:

Prince Bishop Veterinary Hospital, County Durham

Broadleys Veterinary Hospital, Stirling

 

Veterinary Practice Manager of the Year

Winner

Mair Bell - Priory Veterinary Ltd – Cardigan

Mair's grasp of the strategic importance of her role made her an instant hit with the judges. She joined a long-established team in a mixed practice and quickly helped the business to expand and prosper.

The other finalists were:

Anne Richings - Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital, London

Sharon Tongue - Moor Cottage Veterinary Hospital, Bracknell

 

Petplan Veterinary Awards highlights

Following a nationwide search to find the UK's top veterinary professionals for 2012, Petplan, the UK's largest pet insurance provider, has announced the winners of the prestigious Petplan Veterinary Awards.

Petplan Vet Awards highlights video View here

For further information click here to read the press release