Vicky Fraser has been a veterinary professional for 22 years, having initially qualified as an RVN before going on to become a veterinary surgeon after completing her degree at the University of Liverpool in 2009. She took up her current role as clinical director at Linnaeus-owned Broadway Veterinary Surgery, which has three practices in Bebington, Wallasey and Heswall, on the Wirral, last year, juggling her responsibilities overseeing the busy practices with that of being a mother and wife.
Vicky Fraser said: “Firstly, my position as clinical director at Broadway allows me to continue working in practice as a vet treating patients. In addition to this, I have a management and leadership role which allows me to continue to improve and drive the standards of care, professionalism and service at Broadway, which is something I’m extremely passionate about.
“Broadway is a great place to work. We are a fantastic team who love to have fun and support each other through the busy days. The practice is also really open and accepting to different working patterns. They don’t just demand the standard 40 hours per week.
“Twice a week, I’m able to finish work at 3pm in order to give me the opportunity to pick up my son from school. I also start work at 9.45am on one day a week, which allows me to drop my son off at school. Spending time with my family is so important to me and these working hours are very different to my previous jobs in the veterinary industry, which demanded that I worked from 9am to 7pm.
“The flexibility and concern for staff welfare, along with creating a real work/life balance has really helped me gain a greater balance between family life and work. It’s also enabled me to spend more time with my family. As a working mother, this is an incredible benefit and also means I’m more productive at work and happy at home.”
Vicky Fraser’s appointment is the latest accolade in a wide-ranging career in the veterinary industry and she said she was enjoying leading a dedicated team in a management role.
She said: “The vets are well supported by five qualified nurses, five student nurses and four patient care assistants. The nursing team are managed by our clinical nursing manager Eve Griffiths, who has a referral nursing background and is heading up our new nursing structure.”
Vicky said one of her key aims was to get all three Broadway practices operating at full capacity, while also further developing her skills and those of her team. She said: “We are fortunate to have a great CPD allowance and also, due to being part of Linnaeus, we are able to provide a more varied selection of excellent free CPD.
“Certificates are supported and Broadway has great career progression opportunities. I’m really keen to get all of our practices back to operating at full capacity, while I also plan to continue to develop my own veterinary skills and intend to complete an Advanced Veterinary Practitioner Certificate in Small Animal Medicine.”
Vicky Fraser said Broadway’s location on the Wirral was a beautiful place to not only work but to live with her family. She said: “The Wirral peninsula has a unique combination of both beautiful, coastal areas and stunning, rolling countryside.
“One of my favourite locations is Thurstaston Hill. Once at the top, the view across to North Wales is amazing. Further along the coast, West Kirby beach has golden sands and a boating marina where my son loves to spend time sailing while I spend time in the lovely selection of independent coffee shops!
“As I said previously, I love spending time with my family. I have a seven-year-old son who keeps me on my toes and a 42-year-old husband who is even harder work! Our family also consists of our dog, Lily, who loves getting muddy in the great outdoors – the Wirral is perfect for this.”
For more information on Broadway, visit their website or search for Broadway Veterinary Surgery on social media.
