A POULTRY vet, described as a shining example of the veterinary profession, has been named VetPartners Vet of the Year.
Alistair Chilcott, from Poultry Health Services (PHS), was among VetPartners team members celebrated at the group’s awards ceremony at their annual Congress.
The awards honour shining stars, unsung heroes and those who make a real difference in their workplace across VetPartners’ veterinary practices and associated animal healthcare businesses.
Alistair is PHS lead vet at their site in Devon, looking after poultry and gamebirds, with an interest in free-range layer flocks and laboratory work. He is pictured, left, receiving his award from VetPartners Farm Director Ian Cure, right, and Director of Clinical Research and Excellence in Practice Rachel Dean.
VetPartners CEO Jo Malone said: “The huge list of nominations we received for this one reflects not only how many talented vets we have at VetPartners, but the respect they command among their colleagues. Alistair exemplifies an outstanding work ethic and commitment to our profession. Always available to answer client queries, day or night, he consistently prioritises others, even rearranging his own time off to support the team.
“He is passionate about poultry medicine and the VetPartners group, as he has even volunteered to help at our other local practices. He is a true champion of our values, and he has helped to create a positive environment for his team, clients, and patients.”
VetPartners’ awards are the highlight of the group’s annual Congress, held this year in Manchester, where the success of colleagues and practices are highlighted.
Nearly 400 practice managers, clinical directors, senior vets and head nurses attended the VetPartners’ Congress over the two days.
Amber King, from Nene Vets in Cambridgeshire, was named Veterinary Nurse of the Year.
Described as “a joy to work with,” Amber has helped to foster a positive, fun practice environment which has helped to bring the team even closer.
Quarry Vets in Shrewsbury was named Business/Practice of the Year and were selected after judges looked at all aspects of the business, from performance to client feedback and team engagement and wellbeing.
Jo said: “This practice is all round awesome, achieving a three-star rating on their Employee Engagement Survey and an average Google review rating of 4.9, which is amazing. Their consistently impressive performance is in large part down to the thoughtful, caring way they interact with every patient, client and each other. They truly embody all that VetPartners stands for.”
The vital role played by veterinary receptionists in our practices was also recognised with an award.
Much-loved by colleagues and clients, Dawn Kitchen, from Chine House Vets, was crowned VetPartners Receptionist of the Year. Dawn was honoured for taking care of her team and as someone who is always also to provide a sympathetic ear, a big hug and compassionate support to colleagues and clients.
Lorraine Colgan, from Rainbow Equine Hospital in Malton, right, was named Practice Manager of the Year.
Judges described Lorraine, who oversees 70 team members at the renowned equine hospital, as “compassionate, organised and efficient.”
Jo said: “Lorraine embodies the family feel of her practice. She’s a remarkable leader and an invaluable asset to both her practice and VetPartners.”
VetPartners also honours individuals who have inspired their practice to introduce initiatives to help the environment and give back to their local community.
Amelia Whitehead, from Abbey Vets in South Wales, received the Support Team Star of the Year award.
Hardworking, committed and passionate about her practice, Amelia is also adaptable and has vast knowledge of her role and the profession.
Kerry Lambert, Co-Clinical Director and RVN at Ashworth Vets which has practices in Hampshire and Berkshire, was presented with the Leadership award.
Judges commented on how as well as managing daily operations, Kerry boosts morale of her team through thoughtful initiatives like booking massages, organising charity events and team socials, as well as organising in-house training to enhance team skills.
Claire McAllister, from Clyde Vets, received the Sustainability and Community Champion award.
VetPartners Head of Environmental, Social and Governance Hannah James said: “As sustainability champion for their practice, Claire has excelled in every way, almost singlehandedly leading their practice to the Investors in the Environment silver award, with ambitions to pursue the green award next. She has gone above and beyond in all that she does, from leading their team in smashing their sustainability goals to educating team members and tackling the challenges they face in workplace sustainability and truly embodying our values.”
For media enquiries, please contact Amanda Little, VetPartners PR and Communications Director, at amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk or 07970 198492