23 Feb 2023
Staff are also welcoming new colleagues from a nearby surgery in Greater Manchester following several months of collaboration between the two sites.
Allister Webb
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From left: Valentine’s Vets receptionist Jacqui Parker, senior vet Olivia Jeffries, clinical manager Ian Shoreman, practice manager Lindsay Bowden, senior RVN Caroline Bell and receptionist Liv Mott.
Plans for a major revamp of a Greater Manchester veterinary practice, which are expected to cost around £680,000 to complete, have been outlined.
Work to expand facilities at the Valentine’s Vets premises in Castleton, near Rochdale, is due to begin next month (March) and is expected to be completed by mid-summer.
The VetPartners-owned practice has also welcomed Jackson and Nuttall Vets in nearby Middleton as a new branch, following several months of collaboration between the two sites.
Practice manager Lindsay Bowden said: “Having worked together closely for some time now, we have already forged a strong working relationship.
“Joining forces officially with a team that has the same values, with high-quality pet care at its core, is great news for the practice.
“This move means both branches have more support and a stronger team, which will be a huge benefit when holidays are taken or if there’s any sick leave.
“Clients will have additional consult slots and a choice of branch.”
Ms Bowden added: “With the renovation at Castleton, our waiting room there will be much bigger, we will have a separate cat and dog waiting area, and separate kennels on opposites sides of the building to keep cats calm and relaxed.
“At the moment, we have one operating theatre; with the renovation, we will have two.
“Dental care and x-rays are currently done in the prep area, but we will have an additional prep area, and dedicated dental and x-ray suites, plus an in-house laboratory and full isolation facilities.”
