Meet the Southill Vets team

Meet our skilled, dedicated, and caring team who are here to help you and your pets.

Everyone at Southill Vets is committed to providing you with the very best in pet and client care. Our veterinary team bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the practice and have individually obtained high standards of professional qualification.

You can rest assured that your pets will be in excellent hands.

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Veterinary Surgeons

 
vet wearing dark grey sweatshirt
Bob O’Brien BVM & S MRCVSDirector, Veterinary Surgeon

“We moved back down south to Somerset/Dorset in 1996 and have been here ever since. Whilst at Southill Vets I have been developing varied interests including ophthalmology, feline infectious diseases, and the use of technology within the practice. I thoroughly enjoy being part of a rural practice and feel privileged to count so many clients as friends... read more

Vet with brown hair wearing blue top
Vicky Sands BVSc PgC SAM PgCertEmerg(WBIS) MRCVSDirector, Veterinary Surgeon

"I joined Southill Vets as a mixed vet after I graduated in 2010, and we transitioned to 100% small animal practice in September 2014. I became a director in June 2018 alongside Bob after a brief break away from the practice.

Since then I have completed a post graduate certificate in Small Animal Medicine which helps in diagnosing and treating more complex medical cases. I still love a dose of surgery...read more

Vet with blonde hair tied back wearing green top
Fiona Perkins BVSc BSc MRCVSVeterinary Surgeon

“My name is Fiona Perkins, and I am the ‘tall blonde’ vet at Wincanton where I work part time doing small animal work. I graduated from Bristol Vet School in 1990 (having already obtained a degree in Zoology/Psychology) and worked in a very mixed practice in rural Cornwall for four years, before moving to Somerset in 1995. I then worked in several local practices for...read more

Vet with brown hair tied back wearing blue vet uniform
Charlotte Kelham BVSc BSc MRes MRCVSVeterinary Surgeon

"Having spent my childhood on Exmoor, I obtained a degree in Zoology and a Masters in Biosciences from Cardiff University. I subsequently studied Veterinary Science at the University of Bristol and graduated in 2018; being involved in the Mission Rabies vaccination programme and a neutering clinic in India were particular highlights.

After three and a half years ...read more

Monika Salkauskaite BVetMed MRCVS
Monika Salkauskaite BVetMed MRCVSVeterinary Surgeon

"I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in London 2022 and decided to relocate to the South West to begin working as a small animal vet. After a year of working in a very busy practice in Bristol, I started working at Southill Vets in November 2023, initially as a locum vet before deciding to join the lovely Southill Vet team permanently!
I love being a vet and find so much satisfaction and diversity in my job - there are no equal days, clinical cases or patients! I enjoy all aspects of veterinary practice with special interests in small animal medicine, inpatient care and diagnostic imaging. I especially love caring for all our senior geriatric pets and providing them with the best medical care in their golden ages! 
In my spare time, I love being outdoors by either going to the beach or walking in the countryside! I also enjoy reading, tasting new food, travelling and exploring new places. A big highlight of mine was travelling throughout Thailand and participating in a big spay and neuter clinic - something I hope to do much more of in the future!"

Laura Pattinson BVM&S MRCVS
Laura Pattinson BVM&S MRCVSVeterinary Surgeon

My name is Laura, originally from West Sussex I graduated as a veterinary surgeon from Edinburgh University in 2002.
I have worked in the Dorset and Somerset area ever since, aside from a year break to travel the world in my mid twenties. I joined Southill vets in May 2025 after working in mixed practice for the last 22 years and have enjoyed becoming part of the Southill team.
I have particular interests in surgery and ultrasound including cardiac ultrasound for our patients with heart conditions. I live locally and have 2 teenage children - in my spare time I enjoy horse riding and walking my dog Maggie, who you may see sitting in laps around in the Practice from time to time!

Seren Wyatt BA VetMB MRCVS
Seren Wyatt BA VetMB MRCVSVeterinary Surgeon

Hi my name is Seren and I joined Southill in October 2025 having graduated from Cambridge earlier that year. I am originally from Swansea- and being a Welshy at heart love the outdoors, rugby and all things animal. I enjoy all aspects of clinical work and pride myself on being a friendly face for both clients and their pets!
Having grown up with hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, degus and tortoises, I have a special interest in exotics and believe they should be treated with the same care and compassion as our more common pets. I also have a miniature schnauzer and golden doodle who I adore and love meeting all our patients. 

Jennifer Bland BVSc MRCVS
Jennifer Bland BVSc MRCVSVeterinary Surgeon

I graduated from the University of Liverpool and started working as a small animal vet in 2025. I’ve really enjoyed settling into practice and getting to know both clients and their pets.
I enjoy seeing a bit of everything, but I’m particularly interested in preventative care, inpatient care, surgery, and emergency work. I have a real soft spot for older pets and love both the problem-solving side of the job and building strong relationships with their owners.
Outside of work, I like to keep active and spend time outdoors. You’ll usually find me running, horse riding, bouldering, or exploring new places.
I’m happiest around animals and will take any excuse for a cuddle - you’ll often find me spending time with staff pets or patients, usually with a cup of tea in hand!'

James Burdett BA VetMB MRCVS
James Burdett BA VetMB MRCVSVeterinary Surgeon

Originally from the Midlands, I graduated from Cambrdge Vet School in the midst of COVID in 2020, first working in Bedfordshire before moving down to the South-West, joining Southill in 2025. I enjoy the huge variety that comes with working in first opinion practice.
In my spare time, I love to spend time with my wife Emily, my spaniel Maeve and my cat Eric, plus running, cycling, and cooking at home.

Nicola Eisenhauer BVSc MRCVS
Nicola Eisenhauer BVSc MRCVSVeterinary Surgeon

 

Locum Staff

 

 

 

External Visiting Veterinary Surgeons

 
Dr Ashley Davies BVMedSci(Hons) BVM BVS PGCertSAO MRCVS
Dr Ashley Davies BVMedSci(Hons) BVM BVS PGCertSAO MRCVSRCVS Advanced Practitioner in Veterinary Ophthalmology
RATA, Clare Catchpole BVSc CertSAS MRCVS and Kalin Spasov MSc GPCert SAS MRCVS
RATA, Clare Catchpole BVSc CertSAS MRCVS and Kalin Spasov MSc GPCert SAS MRCVSRCVS Certificate Holder in Small Animal Surgery

 

 

Nursing & Animal Care Team

 
Vet nurse with short dark brown hair wearing green top
Clare Webb RVN, Bsc (Hons), DipCABTDirector, Practice and Nursing Manager, Qualified Veterinary Nurse

"I joined Southill Vets in 2008 and qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2010. In 2014, I left Southill to further my career at a referral veterinary hospital. In this role I gained further knowledge & experience in intensive care patients. I returned to Southill in 2018 as Head Nurse. Recently, this year I also became the Practice Manager and am a qualified animal behaviourist and trainer... read more

Vet with long brown hair in side plait wearing green and black top
Abi Downton RVN NCert(Physio)Senior Veterinary Nurse

"I joined Southill as an animal nursing assistant in July 2016 and I qualified as a registered nurse in December 2020. In 2023 I completed a certificate in physiotherapy and rehabilitation and in 2024 I became a senior nurse.
I enjoy every aspect of my job, but I particularly enjoy rehabilitating patients after orthopaedic surgery. Outside of work I enjoy horse riding and walking my labrador."

Charlie Felton FdSc RVN ISFMCertFN
Charlie Felton FdSc RVN ISFMCertFNQualified Veterinary Nurse

"Hi I'm Charlie, I joined Southill Vets in January 2020 as a student during my university degree and completed my training in September 2021 and graduated as a RVN.

I am mostly interested in monitoring anaesthetics and looking after our feline patients. I am currently completing a certificate in feline nursing and I am the practices cat advocate! In my spare time I keep busy with my horses, golden retriever Louis, and three rescue cats called Betty, Mario and Luigi"

Tabby Maguire
Tabby MaguireQualified Veterinary Nurse

"My name is Tabby, I've been a part of the Southill team since 2016. I started off as a Saturday receptionist and worked my way up to becoming a student veterinary nurse!

I've always wanted to be a veterinary nurse, I'm delighted that I was chosen to have the opportunity to do my training with Southill Vets.

I particularly enjoy the laboratory aspect of my job as I find it so interesting

When I'm not at work, I'm looking after my Shetland sheepdog Doughal or playing with my cat Nutmeg"

Sarah Jones
Sarah JonesQualified Veterinary Nurse

'I’ve worked in a busy referral practice for the last 6 years and am now looking forwards to learning all about the world of general practice! At work I have a keen interest in maintaining practice standards, in-patient care and anaesthesia, and outside of work enjoy spending time with my pony and two rescue lurchers'

Donna Crocker
Donna CrockerTrainee Veterinary Nurse

"I joined Southill Vets in November 2018. Before joining Southill, I worked in a local practice as an Animal Nursing Assistant for 13 years. I have completed my ANA course and certificate in Assisting Veterinary Surgeons In Monitoring Animals Under Anaesthesia And Sedation. In my spare time I spend it with my family and looking after my two dogs."

Ellie Cundick
Ellie CundickTrainee Veterinary Nurse

"Hi there, I'm Ellie!
In 2021 I completed 3 years at Kingston Maurward College studying Level 2 & 3 Animal Management whilst working at a beautiful farm in Wiltshire. 
I joined Southill Vets in July 2022 as an Animal Nursing Assistant and absolutely loved it. In April 2024 I became a Student Veterinary Nurse and I am learning so much everyday, I look forward to monitoring anaesthetics and consulting. At home, I enjoy taking long walks...read more

Charlotte Kearn
Charlotte KearnQualified Veterinary Nurse

I joined Southill Vets in July 2026 as a Registered Veterinary Nurse. I studied Veterinary Nursing at Harper Adams University in Shropshire from 2020–2024, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree. Originally from Leicestershire, I moved to Somerset earlier this year, where I now live with my partner in our first home together. I have a keen interest in diagnostic imaging, bandaging, interesting surgical cases and emergency care.
Outside of work, I love exploring the countryside on dog walks, visiting new places and, whenever I can, enjoying a trip to the beach!

Animal Nursing Assistant with light hair tied back wearing a burgundy top
Sam SteelAnimal Nursing Assistant

“Before joining Southill Vets I worked in a small animal practice in the centre of Cheltenham as a VNA (Veterinary nursing assistant) for two years, and lived in a beautiful cottage in the Forest of Dean. I then relocated to Dorset and joined Southill Vets in September 2006, fulfilling the same role at our Milborne Port branch. I live in a tiny old stone cottage with a huge garden

Yazz Lapham
Yazz LaphamAnimal Nursing Assistant

"Hi I'm Yazz, I joined Southill Vets in December 2019. I'm a qualified Animal Nursing Assistant.

I have always loved working with animals, especially exotic pets. I have 3 posh cats, a Boston Terrier called Magpie, ferrets, reptiles, amphibians and chickens! In my spare time I can be found walking Magpie, going on adventures and pottering around my cottage.

Apart from animals, my other love in life is food - I'm a big foodie!

I did take a small break away from Southill, but came running back very soon after as I missed my colleagues too much!"

Maeve Scanlan BSC (Hons) in Applied Animal Science
Maeve Scanlan BSC (Hons) in Applied Animal ScienceAnimal Nursing Assistant

"Hi I'm Maeve
I joined Southill in November 2023 after Graduating from Sparsholt university with a BSC (Hons) in Applied Animal Science. I previously worked at Pets at Home in Gillingham. At Southill I love meeting and caring for the pets that come into the practice. My favourite part of my job is spending time with our hospitalized patients. When I'm not at work I can be found snuggling on the sofa with my two jack russells and my ginger cat Egla.
I also spend my free time caring for my exotic pets which include two tortoises, crested gecko and leopard gecko."

Amy Hillard
Amy HillardAnimal Nursing Assistant

"Hi, my name is Amy, I joined Southill Vets in November 2023 after completing my biology, chemistry and English language a-levels at Strode College. Previously I worked at a Garden Centre but wanted to switch from working with plants to animals. At home I have a black cat called Kevin! In my spare time I enjoy reading and being creative through drawing, painting and crafting."

Harriet Kelly-Slogrove
Harriet Kelly-SlogroveAnimal Nursing Assistant
Kirstie Hughes
Kirstie HughesAnimal Nursing Assistant

 

Vet Nurse Career Resources

 

 

Reception Team

 
Janet Courtney
Janet CourtneyReceptionist

"Hello! I am one of the receptionists at Wincanton and have worked there since 1995, although I do occasionally pop up at the Gillingham branch.

I have two daughters, two gorgeous grandchildren and a cute grand-dog whippet called Nigel. When I am not working, I enjoy knitting, reading and meeting up with family and friends (especially if cake and coffee are involved!)

My favourite pastime is holidaying with my husband in the UK and abroad."

Karen Brooks
Karen BrooksReceptionist

"I worked at a Veterinary Practice in Walton on Thames, as a receptionist for almost 4 years before moving to Gillingham, just under 2 years ago. Best job ever! My only disappointment regarding moving from Sunbury on Thames to Gillingham, was having to leave my job.
Whilst I was there, I completed the BVRA Accredited Veterinary Receptionist Course & Competent Dispenser Course.
I have a 3 year old female Sprocker called Lilo (Lilo & Stitch), my first ever dog & loving life as a crazy dog owner.
I enjoy walking with my pup, playing mind games with her, (wear that crazy brain out), camping in my campervan with my dog & husband, Crochet, Sewing & Reading.
The house we moved into was empty for 2 years, so we have plenty to do in the house & garden to make it our own.
I am a Black Belt 3rd Dan in Taekwondo but, haven't practiced the art for just over 2 years as too busy with life."

Helen Martin
Helen MartinReceptionist

"I recently joined Southill Vets in November 2022 as a Receptionist. This is an exciting new career change for me as I have previously worked with children in educational settings.
I enjoy meeting new clients and love getting to know their pets. I am keen to build up my knowledge to deliver the best service that Southill Vets is renowned for.
During my spare time I enjoy spending quality time with my Family, going for countryside/coastal walks, gardening and doing home improvements."

Becky O’Gorman
Becky O’GormanReception and Administration

"Hi, my name is Becky and I started working at Southill Vets in November 2023.
I have a background in Administration and Childcare. I have really enjoyed my start at Southill and being able to welcome all your lovely pets. I’ve been bringing my own pets to Southill for some twelve years now and I am loving working in such a warm and caring environment, having returned to full time work now that my children have grown up.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and my crazy Cavapoo Merlin. I also enjoy reading, DIY and long walks with Merlin."

Jane Fower
Jane FowerReceptionist

My name is Jane, I’ve been working as a receptionist at Southill Vets since January 2025, splitting my time between the Wincanton and Gillingham branches. Before joining the veterinary world, I worked at Gillingham Medical Centre—but please don’t hold that against me!
Outside of work, I love getting outdoors with my two rescue dogs, Honey and Dexter. I also love travelling and enjoy spending quality time with my family, especially by the coast.

Clare Bowring
Clare BowringReceptionist

'Bio coming soon!'

Hollie Colbrook
Hollie ColbrookAdministrator, Reception and Administration

I joined Southill vets in January 2026, after relocating from Isle of Wight. I started working in the vet industry in 2018 as a receptionist and in 2020 I had the opportunity to set up the role as dispensary lead.

Doing this role allowed me to follow my interest in medicine and further my knowledge while helping my colleagues and clients.

While not at work, I relax by taking my Cocker Spaniel Bonnie for country walks.

Jo Matthews
Jo MatthewsReception and Administration

Hi, my name is Jo. I joined Southill vets in March 2026 as part of the Administration and Reception team, so I have not been with the practice long but am really enjoying working in such a friendly and welcoming place.

In my spare time I enjoy being outside, spending time with my family, chilling with Friends and going for long walks with my bouncy and energetic Springer.

Receptionist with short hair wearing a mid-blue top
Kim MulcockFinance Administrator

“My name is Kim, and I am the  Finance Administrator at Southill Vets. I have worked here since 1987. I enjoy meeting our clients and their lovely pets.

At the present time I have one pet – ‘Banjo’ my rescue dog. My hobbies include genealogy, walking and going off for weekends in our camper van.”

Julia Moldram
Julia MoldramFinance and HR Manager

"I'm Julia and I've been a finance and HR manager at Southill Vets since February 2022.

In my spare time I enjoy walking my golden doodle Ted, playing tennis at the local club and chilling with family and friends"