Introducing Our Practice Team 

Paul Thomas MRCVS BVSc GPCertSAS

Paul is our Clinical Director and Principle Veterinary Surgeon. 

Paul qualified at Liverpool Vet School, with honours in small animal practice, and was awarded the 'Small Animal Practice Special Award' for his year group!   Following graduation he followed his passion for small animal practice and left behind the equine and farm work.  He gained an internship at Edinburgh University.  This is a post qualification training programme where he spent time in an animal hospital, working alongside Veterinary specialists of different fields including medicine, surgery, radiology, anaesthesia and general practice.  On completion of his internship he gained a post as a Vet at a charity based pet hospital.  After gaining experience in emergency care at Vets Now, Preston, he came to work for Andy in Longridge and has never looked back!

In April 2014, Paul and his wife Jill, purchased the Practice off Andy.  They are excited to take on the challenge and continue to run this well established, popular Practice as it has been for many years.

Paul loves everything small animal, and enjoys meeting lots of interesting pets and owners.  His real passion lies in the operating theatre, and he has gained a GP Certificate in Small Animal Surgery.  He is commited to providing the best current care that your pet can have.

Outside of the surgery you’ll find Paul swinging his golf clubs, or going for walks with his family, which includes a rather energetic Labrador cross Cavi called Sid.


Veterinary Surgeons

Nigel White MRCVS BVSc

Growing up in Goosnargh, and then Pilling, Nigel has always been local to the area. He first came to our practice at the age of 6, a visit which ignited a desire to become a veterinary surgeon.  He began to regularly see practice with Andy Hutcheson from the age of 14 until he commenced his veterinary studies at the University of Liverpool.  Prior to university he worked during weekends as a groom at World Horse Welfare Penny Farm in Blackpool, rehabilitating rescued horses.

He graduated with distinction in 2013, and began his first job at a local practice as a vet.  There he attended to farm animals, horses and all manner of pets.  After two years, he decided to concentrate on small animals practice, and spent 18 months as a locum vet.  During this time he worked some Saturdays and helped cover Paul holiday leave for us.

We were delighted when Nigel agreed to join our team in October 2016.  Nigel enjoys small animal practice, and particularly the surgical aspect.  He has embraced joining our team, is always keen to learn new techniques and skills.  He also has a real passion for animal welfare.

Aside from being a vet, he has also spent time working for his family’s electrical contracting company and was a qualified electrician, which is very handy for maintenance around the practice!  He also has a labrador to keep him busy! 

Grace Slater MRCVS BVSc

Grace has also been a part of the practice for many years.  She visited the practice regulalry to see practice whilst at vet school.  Grace then worked as part of our nursing team during university holidays. Graduating with distinction from the University of Liverpool in 2019, she joined the Longridge team in 2020 after working at another small animal vet practice. 

Outside of work Grace is a keen horsewoman.  She competes Nationally in dressage, and in 2023 became a Brand Ambassador to E-Dressage UK.  

As a Vet Grace has very high standards and goes the extra mile to investigate pets' health problems or concerns.  She has a particular interest in diabetes diagnosis, care and long term management.   

 

Emma Dean MRCVS

 

Bruce supports Paul and his team by helping out to cover some Saturday mornings, training days and holidays. Our small team of vets means that our clients are able to form relationships with them, and vice versa.

 


Nursing Team

Anna and Becky lead our fabulous nursing team. Anna has been with the practice for over 20 years.  Becky joined us in 2023 as our Clinical Nursing Lead.

As a nurse training practice we have Sue and Emma on the nurse training programme to become RVNs. 

Gemma, Clare, Vanessa and Jade are our nursing assistant team with Caroline assisting on Saturdays.

 

Office & Admin Team

Jill is our Non-Clinical Director and Practice Manager.

Beth is our receptionist and Catherine our office manager.

 

      

 

 

54 Preston RoadLongridgePrestonLancashirePR3 3AY01772 783327find us
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