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 MRCVS

“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) MRCVS

"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 MRCVS

“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 MRCVS

"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 MRCVS

"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!"

Abigail McCarthy BVSc MRCVS

Abigail McCarthy BVSc MRCVS

"I graduated from Bristol Vet School in 2020 and after a few years as a small animal vet and then a brief stint as an equine vet in California I joined Southill Vets.
I have a big interest in anything surgical and am starting a surgery certificate this January.
I've now moved to Mere and enjoy the country life with my cat, aptly named Cat!"

 

Locum Staff

 
Jo Lampard BVM&S CertSAM MRCVS

Jo Lampard BVM&S CertSAM MRCVS

"My name is Jo and I have been working as a locum vet at Southill since Autumn 2023. 
I graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1998 and in 2003 obtained my Certificate in Small Animal Medicine. 
I worked for the best part of 12 years in a large veterinary hospital in Bristol before moving to Kenya for 8 years where I treated everything from Elephant and Rhino to hamsters! We moved back to the UK in 2018 and I worked in a Small Animal clinic in Yeovil until November last year. 
I am interested in canine and feline medicine and am an enthusiastic diagnostic imager.
When not working, I have a young family, 11 sheep, 6 chickens, 2 dogs, a cat and 2 budgies to look after!"

 

External Visiting Veterinary Surgeons

 

Nursing & Animal Care Team

 
Vet nurse with short dark brown hair wearing green top

Clare Webb RVN, Bsc (Hons), DipCABT

"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)

"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 ISFMCertFN

"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"

Leonie Harrison RVN

Leonie Harrison RVN

'I joined Southill Vets in September 2024 after working in a busy first opinion/referral practice.

I really enjoy all aspects of the job, but my favourite parts are dentistry, laboratory and inpatient care. I am a certificate holder in dentistry and I am looking to complete a certificate in medical nursing next.

When not at work, I enjoy riding my horse - a 19 year old arab who acts more like a two year old, or snuggling with my three cats'

Lucy Tiley RVN

Lucy Tiley RVN

'I joined Southill Vets in November 2024 after returning back to practice following maternity leave. I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse back in 2015 and although I love all aspers of my job, I have a particular interest in nursing clinics and nutrition. Outside of work I'm kept busy with my daughter, springer spaniel named Basil and black fluffy cat named Louis'

Tabby Maguire

Tabby Maguire

"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"

Ellie Cundick

Ellie Cundick

"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

Sarah Jones

Sarah Jones

'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 Crocker

"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."

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

Sam Steel

“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...read more

Yazz Lapham

Yazz Lapham

"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 Science

"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 Hillard

"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."

Vet Nurse Career Resources

 

Reception Team

 
Janet Courtney

Janet Courtney

"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 Brooks

"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 Martin

"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’Gorman

"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 Fower

'Bio coming soon!'

Clare Bowring

Clare Bowring

'Bio coming soon!'

Sandra Baskerville

Sandra Baskerville

'My name is Sandra and I joined the Southill Group in June 2022 as a Receptionist/Administrator.

I enjoy a varied roll across different branches. I enjoy time with family, grandchildren, catching up with friends, theatre trips and my hobby of scrapbooking.
I don't currently have any pets but can't deny I am very tempted after meeting such a variety of beautiful pets who visit us.'

Receptionist with short hair wearing a mid-blue top

Kim Mulcock

“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 Moldram

"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"