Congratulations to Pet Plan Awardees!
This year's awards ceremony was hosted by Alistair McGowan.
Last night saw the glittering Petplan awards, dubbed by many as the ‘Oscars’ of the veterinary world. Congratulations to all those awarded for their hard work.
Hosted this year by top-rated comedian and impressionist Alistair McGowan, the Petplan Veterinary Awards aim to recognise and applaud staff and practices throughout the country that have delivered an exceptional level of care to the nation’s pets, and their owners.
Awards up for grabs included vet of the year, vet nurse of the year, receptionist of the year, practice of the year and practice manager of the year.
This is the 11th year of the awards and we received over 1800 nominations, which really highlights the high regard that the profession and pet owners have for these awards
“Britain is known to be an animal-loving nation and with millions of households owning cats and dogs, 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 to our pets.
The winners are detailed below:
Petplan Vet Practice of the Year
Mill House Veterinary Surgery and Hospital in Norfolk received this prestigious award last night. The practice pipped its competitors to the winning post after being described as providing an incredibly high level of service to its clients, and being an extremely dedicated and welcoming collective of professionals. The independent panel of judges were impressed by the strength of the nominations from both clients and staff. What really shone through was the level of pride the practice takes in its work and how the staff are known by their clients for being efficient, friendly and helpful.
The winners were very excited to receive their awards.
Petplan Vet of the Year
Local vet, Mike Hewitt, of the Wendover Heights Veterinary Centre in Buckinghamshire, was presented with this award last night. According to Petplan, Mike is held in the highest regard by clients and colleagues having worked in the profession for over 20 years and the independent panel of judges were bowled over by the praise in his nominations. Crucially, Mike is loved by clients and their pets, receiving a large number of heartfelt testimonies from happy clients which allowed his professionalism and approachable manner shine through.
“I feel so privileged to be in this situation and to have won such a special award,” said Mike on receiving the award, “It’s fantastic to be recognised and I’d like to think that this is not just about me, but for all the great veterinary practistioners across the country. It’s great to receive an award which acknowledges all our hard work but at the end of the day we do it because we love our jobs.”
Petplan Vet Nurse of the Year
Louise Want from The Feldon Veterinary Centre, Warwickshire, was awarded with this prestigious title. According to those at Petplan, this nurse managed to gain the winning edge over her competitors by being an excellent role model for her team of nurses, and through the constant support that she provides to her colleagues and clients. The independent panel of judges also found Louise to be a great inspiration to all and having worked in the veterinary profession for 30 years, she is as passionate and dedicated, as when she first started.
“I’m completely shocked! It’s fabulous to win” said Louise. “I’ve been in the industry for 30 years this year, and it’s such a special way to celebrate it, in fact it may have been the reason why I was nominated. It’s an amazing award, and great to be acknowledged.”
Petplan Vet Receptionist of the Year
Carol Dawson from Kingsteighnton Veterinary Group in Devon received this award last night.
Carol’s compassionate and professional manner really impressed the panel of independent judges, and beat off fierce competition to win this accolade. The judges highlighted that clients instantly feel at ease because of Carol’s caring smile and welcoming attitude, while her colleagues find her a great inspiration - a winning combination to crown ‘Carol Vet Receptionist of the Year 2010’.
“I’m really shocked to win such an amazing award,” said Carol, “This award is incredibly special to me as it proves that we are doing a good job and have a great team. I’m just so thankful, I’m sure our customers will be really pleased.”
Petplan Vet Practice Manager of the Year
Estelle Busby from Orwell Veterinary Group in Kesgrave was presented with this award last night.
Other awards presented included the Petplan Charitable Trust Scientific award which was given to Prof Stuart W.J. Reid and Petsavers Veterinary Achievement award which was presented to Abby Boles.
To see our gallery of images from the evening, please click here.
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