A POPULAR vet described by practice colleagues as the “epitome of kindness” has been named VetPartners’ Vet of the Year.
Carla Balnave, who works at Aireworth Vets in Keighley, won the accolade at the York-based veterinary group’s annual UK awards, which celebrate shining stars, unsung heroes and those who make a real difference to their workplace and their community.
As well as being a much-loved vet with clients and colleagues, Carla was praised for her work in helping her practice to improve standards of care and being a driving force in QI initiatives, auditing of surgical complications and her contributions in clinical meetings.
Carla, who qualified from Liverpool University in 2007, is due to complete a Master’s in Companion Animal Behaviour and is working incredibly hard to achieve the qualification whilst balancing work and looking after her family. She is an active member of the VetPartners Clinical Board Behaviour Special Interest Group, and the practice has set up Happy Hound Clinics and significantly improved patient welfare with Carla’s help.
‘Goes extra mile to make others welcome’
But colleagues also wanted to recognise her kindness and how she goes the extra mile to make others feel welcome at the practice. In her spare time, she cleaned and tidied a practice flat to create accommodation for an Afghan refugee vet and viewed properties for a new graduate vet arriving in the area, as well as acting as his mentor and arranging social events to make him feel welcome.
VetPartners CEO Jo Malone said: “There were more than 30 nominations for the award, reflecting the talent among our vets, as well as the respect they have from their colleagues.
“We chose Carla because, as well as being an outstanding vets, she perfectly reflects our culture of warmth and belonging and the values that we hold dearly at VetPartners. She helps to make the VetPartners family a great place to work.”
VetPartners’ awards are the highlight of the group’s annual Congress, held at York Racecourse, where the success of colleagues, practices and central support team members is honoured.
Nearly 400 practice managers, clinical directors, senior vets and head nurses attended the VetPartners’ Congress at York Racecourse over the two days.
Jo added: “I am so proud of our teams and what they have achieved during 2022. Whatever challenges we have faced as a profession, our team members have shown how caring, resilient and dedicated they are.”
‘Passion for nursing shines through’
Coastway Vets Nursing Manager Sharon Dunworth was named Veterinary Nurse of the Year.
Her passion for nursing shines through in everything she does, and has helped her create a strong, close-knit nursing team at the Brighton practice. She covers the majority of extra shifts at the 24-hour veterinary hospital to enable her nurses to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
Emma Darling, who this year celebrated 25 years at Minster Vets in York, was named Practice Manager of the Year for the way she supports her team and takes on extra tasks.
Minster Vets clinical director Sarah Ford said: “Emma also helps, supports and collaborates with other practices and helps to make Minster Vets and VetPartners a great place to work.”
Nicola Thomas, from Tameside Vets in Greater Manchester, was named Receptionist of the Year.
As well as being a huge support to the reception team and supporting new team members, she plays a key role as the practice’s stock champion and liaise with two of the practice’s biggest charity clients.
Anderson Abercromby Veterinary Referrals, which provides orthopaedic specialist care, was named VetPartners Practice of the Year. The practice has grown dramatically since moving to a new £1.8million site in Warnham, Surrey, with state-of-the-art facilities, including a CT scanner.
‘Throws herself into charitable efforts’
Vet Charlie Hertel, who works at Quarry Vets in Shrewsbury, was named ESG Community Champion.
Charlie has led the practice’s sustainability efforts, which saw them achieve their Bronze award in the Investors in the Environment accreditation. She leads their green group and sets up various initiatives, including a wildlife-friendly garden at the practice, as well as throwing herself in charitable activities with colleagues to raise money for worthy causes.
Shipston Vets clinical director Julie Lawrence was honoured with the Leadership Award.
She has implemented a range of actions in practice to drive clinical governance, improve standards and achieve the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme GP status and the ISFM cat-friendly clinic silver award. Julie also works with other nearby VetPartners practices to share resources and expertise.
VetPartners Farm Coordinator Hayley Bateman, who is part of the central team in York, was named Support Team Star of the Year.
VetPartners Farm Director Ian Cure said: “Nothing is ever too much for Hayley, and she always goes the extra mile to help anyone in our farm team, including the practice teams. She really embodies the VetPartners values.”
For media enquiries, please contact Amanda Little, VetPartners PR and Communications Director. Email amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk