The Staff

Jim qualified from Edinburgh in 1961 and worked initially in Nottingham before moving to Sleaford in 1963 as an assistant to Hugh Frost. Partnership followed with Frost & Kirk which grew until Hugh retired in 1986. J O Kirk and Associates went through a period of major building improvements and the purchase of Newgate Lane Veterinary Surgery. In 2001 Jim and Angus joined in partnership and a new era with KirksVets and the big move from Highfield, Eastgate to Lions Way, East Road.

Angus joined the practice in 1998 taking on the responsibility of the day to day running of the practice. Having working in the banking industry for the previous nine years and having economics, accounts, and law qualifications was at a distinct advantage in streamlining the practice in anticipation of expansion. In 2001 Angus became a partner as the Sleaford practice began planning for a move to new premises. Being heavily involved in the negotiations and planning of the surgery took up much time until the grand opening in May 2002. Angus has four children, a greyhound and ferrets.

Julian qualified from Liverpool University in 1987 and joined us in October 2007, having had 20 years experience in Practice.

Jackie joined us in August 2004 but is well known to everyone at KirksVets as she 'saw practice' with us throughout her training. She qualified from London but is from Lincolnshire so knows her way around. All the staff were very pleased Jackie decided to join us full time as she has always been well liked and has always 'mucked' in with the nurses as well as having very good all-round experience and makes very good cakes!

Nina joined KirksVets in July 2007 bringing with her 10 years of experience having qualified from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 1998. Nina started her working life in Zimbabwe before returning to the UK to work firstly in Soham, Cambridgeshire for five years and then three years in Scotland (Dundee and Perth). Nina enjoys swimming and running and is hoping to run the London marathon; she is married with two children and is a welcome addition to our team.

Hanneke re-joined us from South Africa in August 2007. Hanneke previously worked as a locum for us a couple of years ago and is now back having left her job in Paarl. Hanneke is an experienced Veterinary Surgeon who is a welcome addition to our team, especially as staff and some clients know her from her previous stint with us, and she has continued where she left off! Hanneke qualified from the University of Pretoria in 1997 and worked at two practices in South Africa plus some locum work before arriving back in Lincolnshire.

Bernard joined us as a locum in 2000, having qualified in 1968 from Liverpool University. Bernard had a very successful practice in Lancashire and has proved so popular with our clients that he is still here today!

Tracey joined KirksVets in September 2001, taking on the routine day to day work of banking and account reconciliation. Tracey's role has developed considerably over time and she now plays an active part in the overall running of the practice, from dealing with account queries to organising staff rotas and most of the practice's advertising. Tracey organises our trade stalls which we have at the Heckington and Lincolnshire shows and runs our very successful pet shop. Tracey has a retired greyhound, a lurcher and is an event rider and qualified riding instructor. She is also available for any equine advice from worming to behavioural problems.

Sara has been with KirksVets since January 1999, successfully passing the NVQ level 3 Veterinary Nursing qualifications, and is also a qualified Nurse Training Assessor. Sara has had local and national press coverage as the winner of a national Parasite Road show. She also hosts talks to local schools, Brownies, Cubs etc either at the Surgery or in their own environment about responsible animal ownership and also organises the surgery tours which we do.

Hayley completed an animal care course at Caythorpe College with a distinction, specializing in animal grooming. Hayley’s experience enables her to act as head groomer as well as Head Nurse for Sleaford. She attended University studying Animal Science and Behaviour management before joining KirksVets full time; she has since completed a short course in animal behaviour through the practice, and can advise on basic problems. Hayley completed her formal Veterinary Nurse Training in 2005.

Lesley joined KirksVets in November 2001 with 4 years grooming experience. She has a National Diploma in Small Animal Care and a Dental Leader Qualification. She has a border collie called Ben who had a broken leg as a puppy but now is taking agility lessons. Lesley enjoys socialising and horse riding.

Becky went to the Girls High School in Sleaford obtaining 3 A Levels and 9 GCSEs, before starting her training to become a Veterinary Nurse at the Londonthorpe Surgery. She left us in 1999 to work as a nanny to a British Diplomat in Barbados for two years. On her return to the UK she worked as a locum Veterinary Nurse before taking a break to start her family. She returned to KirksVets in April 2007 with very good Veterinary Nurse experience having worked at several practices throughout the country and a keen interest in horses.

Becci has a BTEC National Diploma in Animal Care at Distinction level as well as an A level and 7 GSCE’s. She has worked at several animal related positions before joining us, and hopes to take her Veterinary Nursing exams in the near future.

Katie joined us in January 2006 from another Veterinary Practice in the area, where she had been working for the previous twelve months. Katie has an Animal Management Btec National Diploma which included dog and cat grooming. She did work experience at mixed practices in Nottingham and Spilsby before starting full time at a Lincolnshire Veterinary Practice. She has two cats Tigger and Ingo, and Kelly the dog, she is hoping to start the NVQ Level two Veterinary Nurse Training in September 2006.

Sarah joined KirksVets in July 2006, having spent the previous 18 months working for the Burghley Veterinary Practice in Stamford. She has also spent six months working for the Exeter Veterinary Practice in Bourne as a volunteer on Saturdays. Sarah is keen to study for the RCVS Nursing Qualifications, and chose to join us despite having a college place with her previous job! She is able to do this with us, but will have to wait her turn as other staff are before her in the queue! Sarah has a dog, Holly who is a cross breed and can play the drums!

Lesley joined us in January 2007 after spending over five years working for the PDSA in Manchester and Nottingham. Lesley’s experience of dealing with emergencies and general clinical care has helped her fit in very quickly with our team and makes her a valuable member of staff. Lesley now lives locally and has two Siamese cats, William and Poppy

Fiona joined us on an apprenticeship scheme, combining full time work with an NVQ in customer services at the end of June 2006. Fiona is a dedicated Receptionist, who is first call on all telephone calls received into the Surgery and responsible for creating a consistent and professional approach to all customer care. Fiona (who is a former Sleaford High School student) completed her NVQ in record time and has progressed so well that in October 2007 she was promoted to Head Receptionist.

Becca is employed as a Modern Apprentice, which means while working full time she undertakes an NVQ level two in Customer Service. Becca started work in October 2007 having achieved a Btec in Health and Social care while in the Sleaford joint sixth form. Becca has previous experience of working in customer service and working in care. At School she took part in cross country meetings at Grantham District and Lincoln Common, and in her spare time she enjoys socialising with friends.

Donna joined our Grooming team in October 2006 and was a very welcomed addition as we had been searching for a good dog and cat groomer for some time. Donna returns to Lincolnshire having trained in Oakham and working in London. As well as Grooming Donna has kennel experience and qualifications in Dog Psychology and a National Diploma in Animal Care.

Heather joined our busy grooming team in June 2004. She has a First Diploma (Distinction) and a National Diploma in Small Animal Care, which included practical and theory of dog and cat grooming. Before joining KirksVets Heather had spent two years grooming and has proved to be a valuable asset to the grooming team.

Lauren first came to KirksVets on work experience, where she showed an aptitude for grooming and impressed so much that she was invited back to help in the grooming room. After making very good progress under the tuition of Heather and Hayley, Lauren now works in the grooming room part time to coincide with going to college to study Animal Care and Grooming.

Joe has 30 years experience as an RSPCA inspector, his duties included investigating animal cruelty, inspections of pet shops and kennels, taking statements and court work as well as working closely with the police, social services, fire brigade, trading standards and of course Veterinary surgeons. Joe is responsible for general maintenance of the practice and collects animals for clients who have transport difficulties. Joe has four children Stuart, Fiona, Jamie and Melissa.