The Petplan Veterinary Awards recognise the nation’s most outstanding veterinary professionals, who have been nominated by their colleagues and pet owners for their continued hard work and dedication to keeping pets healthy.
The five winners for the 2023 awards are:
Support Staff of the Year
Laura Cameron, Lomond Veterinary Clinic
“It’s unbelievable to have won. I’m in shock and can’t actually put into words, which makes a change for me!
“I think it’s amazing especially for a small practice like ours – we’ve only got a very small tight knit team and it’s great because I couldn’t be here without them so this is a reflection on everybody.”
Practice Manager of the Year
Louise Newman, Blue Cross Vets
“It means so much to be to be singled out from my team as being an individual that’s supported them and got them through COVID-19 and ever since then.
“From a community perspective, it’s so amazing for a charity to be recognised and I do a lot of community work and to represent them [Blue Cross] is absolutely amazing.
“I love my team, I love the passion of my team and I just love how amazing my clients are.”
Vet Practice of the Year
Milfeddygon Williams Vets
“To represent our local community, to win this award, I think they’ll be very proud of us.
“Without any customers and clients you have no business, and I feel that they appreciate us and it’s recognition for all the hard work the whole team does.”
Vet Nurse of the Year
Helen Rooney, Pet Blood Bank
“I love what I do – I love the organisation, and as of veterinary nurse of 27 years I remember before Pet Blood Banks were set up and all the difficulties we had then when animals needed transfusions.
“I’ve seen the difference these products make first-hand and I don’t know where we would be without them”
Vet of the Year
Claire McCabe, Craemill Veterinary Clinic, an IVC Evidensia practice, Cookstown
“Our local community is massively important to myself and my practice.
“We have been going 50 years this year so it’s a big year for us this year so to get this award on this anniversary means so much, especially for my husband’s father who started the practice and sadly passed away a number of years ago so I just wish he’d been here to see it.”
Each winner was selected by a panel of independent expert judges, including presidents of Animal & Veterinary Service, British Veterinary Nursing Association and Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons, as well as the category’s winner from 2022.
The Petplan Veterinary Awards celebration took place at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester, with winners announced by actress and comedian Sally Phillips.
Petplan’s Sales and Marketing Director, Bella von Mesterhazy commented: “We enjoyed yet another fantastic celebration of vets, vet nurses, practices, practice managers and support staff from across the UK last night.
“As ever, it’s been incredibly difficult for the judges to whittle down 30,000 nominations to just one winner for each of the five categories.
“All of the night’s winners are so deserving of the accolade, thanks to their true commitment to their profession, and like all those who sent in nominations, Petplan is incredibly grateful for the outstanding services provided by not only our winners, but veterinary professionals around the country.”
For further information on the Petplan Veterinary Awards and to learn more about the winners, please visit the website.
