Local man is named Vet of the Year

Ben Jones is Voted Top Dog at the Vet Oscars

Local vet, Ben Jones from Ben Jones Veterinary Surgery, Chester has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Vet of the Year 2009’ at the Petplan Veterinary Awards - the Oscars of the veterinary profession.

Ben is well-known for his community work and continuously goes above and beyond the call of duty to help owners and their pets. He has set up a home visit scheme for his elderly clients and has visited a nursing home when an owner was there as a day patient with their pet.

The Petplan Veterinary Awards, now in their 10th year, recognise and applaud staff and practices throughout the country that have delivered an exceptional level of care to the nation’s pets. Nearly 2300 Brits voted for the awards, demonstrating the importance Britain places not only on their animals, but also the dedicated veterinary professionals that care for them.

The independent panel of judges responsible for short listing Ben described what made him stand apart from the rest: “We were bowled over by Ben’s dedication to animal welfare. Throughout the gruelling judging process, we were presented with numerous examples of Ben’s understanding and compassion. Whilst being extremely knowledgeable, Ben can reassuringly explain the most complicated procedures to clients.”

Simon Wheeler, Petplan’s Head of Marketing, explains: “The Petplan Veterinary Awards are about thanking the Veterinary profession for the outstanding level of care they provide to our animals. Ben Jones, like many vets, provides an exceptional service to clients and their pets and we are delighted to name him ‘Vet of the Year 2009’.”

Vet of the Year

Ben Jones,
Ben Jones Veterinary Surgery, Chester, Flintshire

Ben’s understanding and compassion for his clients’ pets impressed the judges. Whilst being extremely knowledgeable, Ben can reassuringly explain the most complicated procedures to clients. Ben continuously goes above and beyond the call of duty, such as establishing a home visit scheme for pensioners and visiting a nursing home when an owner was there as a day patient. This confirms Ben fully deserves the title ‘Vet of the Year 2009’.

Vet Nurse of the Year

Karen McQuoid,
The Old Golfhouse Veterinary Group, Watton, Norfolk

The judges believe Karen is an excellent role model for her team of nurses. Karen was noted for her positive attitude and good humour even under extreme pressure of being head nurse of four different practices. She maintains that her top priority is to always ensure animals are not in distress.

Vet Receptionist of the Year

Yasmin Morowa,
Melton Veterinary Surgery, Woodbridge, Suffolk

Yasmin’s attention to detail made her stand out as the winner of Vet Receptionist of the Year. Yasmin always checks to see how patients have progressed when she returns from holiday so she can help clients appropriately when they call or visit. Her kind approach makes her highly appreciated by both clients and colleagues.

Vet Practice of the Year

St Clair Veterinary Group,
Kirkcaldy, Fife

St Clair Veterinary Group was described as having exceptional customer care and uses every opportunity to educate their clients. The team stood out for their environmental consciousness.