Basildon Hospital (Pitsea) Vets4Pets

Hi, I'm Shola! I have been a Veterinary Surgeon for the last 10 years working all over the world. I have been privileged to live and work with some great people in Essex for the last 8 years practicing veterinary medicine.

My passion for excellent delivery of animal care and high quality customer centred service has been the main drive throughout my career. My special interests are all aspects of internal medicine and cardiology; I am currently studying for a certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice.

When I am not working, I enjoy reading, jogging, playing football with my three boys and actively policing our exotic fish from being overfed by the boys!

Dave graduated from Liverpool University in the UK with a distinction in 2014. Dave is the lead veterinary surgeon for the practice and spearheads the surgical team. He has two post-graduate certificates, with focus on soft tissue surgery as well an anaesthesia and analgesia - these form the basis of his wide-reaching veterinary interests. Dave also enjoys mentoring younger vets and is the head of graduate development for the practice. Dave has a border terrier, Gimli, and a three legged cocker spaniel, Judy. These occupy the majority of his spare time, but he also enjoys climbing and hiking. 

Thurston is a graduate from the Royal Veterinary College in the UK, where he completed extra programmes in diagnostic imaging and clinical pathology. He also has a degree in Medical Physics and Bioengineering, enabling him to fully appreciate the possibilities of CT and MRI technologies in veterinary medicine. He is currently studying for a General Practitioner Certificate in Canine and Feline Medicine, with a view to become an RCVS Advanced Practitioner. 

Thurston enjoys problem solving, which helps in diagnosing unusual medical cases and he is not deterred by complex patients with many different factors to consider. Thurston's main interest is general internal medicine. This is diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases, everything from infections to hormone imbalances to skin conditions. 

In his spare time, Thurston is fond of cryptic crosswords, Scrabble and mixing cocktails at home.

Anna graduated from University in Poland in 2010. She is a RCVS Advanced Practitioner in small animal ophthalmology. She is particularly interested in diagnosing and treating animal eye issues. Anna has a black cat called Roxy. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, going for walks and working out at the gym.

Monika graduated from Trakia University in Bulgaria in 2014. She has a strong interest in cardiology and is currently studying for her post graduate certificate in small animal cardiology. She also has interests in diagnostic imaging, exotic animal medicine and surgery. She is relishing the opportunity to use her passion for medicine to benefit her patients and their owners. Monika has a little Maltese called Fluffy. In her free time, she enjoys taking him for walks in nature, cycling and trying to learn to play the guitar. 

Hi I'm Carmen! I am from Spain and have been a vet for 8 years, seven of them working in the UK as a small animal vet. My main interests within veterinary medicine reside in soft tissue surgery, but I enjoy all aspects.

I am a big cat fan and in my spare time I love spending time with my five cats and my dog, Noa.

I also enjoy being outdoors in nature and doing activities with my friends and loved ones.

Laura studied Veterinary Medicine in Valencia in Spain. Her main areas of interest are soft tissue surgery, inpatient care, and critical care. She has a Maltese dog who loves to travel, so she often takes him out hiking or to the beach. Laura loves to travel and likes to combine this with her love for animals, so she often volunteers with wild animals in developing countries. When Laura is not working or traveling, she enjoys cooking, dancing the Salsa and catching up with friends or family.​

Anastasia qualified from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece in 2018. She also has a Masters in health crisis management and is currently studying for her post-graduate certificate in surgery. She has a strong interest in surgery, especially laparoscopic procedures. She loves all animals for their kind and pure hearts and believes being a veterinary surgeon is a privilege- She can't image herself doing anything else! Outside of work, she likes reading, exercising and spending time with her family and friends. 

Barbara qualified in 2019. She has interests in emergency medicine and surgery, as well as diagnostic imaging. She is the proud aunt of Olivia the cat and in her spare time, she loves travelling, reading, meeting new people, and discovering new places. 

Clarisse graduated in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Lisbon in 2019. During her degree she did several internships in Wildlife centres both in Portugal and in Spain and spent some time in Exotic animal practices. Clarisse has a keen interest in exotic animal practice. In her spare time, she enjoys nature walks, birdwatching, photography, cinema, sketching but most of all sharing some of these interests with loved ones.

Vikki took her bachelors degree in zoology prior to obtaining her veterinary degree from the Royal Veterinary College in the UK in 2020. She has an interest in diagnostics and inpatient care. Outside of work, she is kept busy by two human children and one very naughty toy poodle, called Copper. She also enjoys reading and yoga.  

Lauren qualified in 2021 from the Royal Veterinary College, UK, having spent time with us as a student. She loves being there for families at some of their toughest times with a poorly pet and being able to support them while she tries to help them. She has a keen interest in emergency medicine as well as the non-clinical aspects of the veterinary field, like communication and wellbeing. At home she has a lovely rescue cat called Mouse, and two snakes called Scaramouche and Galileo. Outside of work she likes to spend time with family and friends, cook and bake, and get outside in the fresh air.

Mikaela qualified from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece in 2020. She likes helping animals get better and she loves to see the smiles on their families faces, and thinks this is the most special thing about the job. Her biggest interest at work is soft tissue surgery. She has a Persian cat, called Poogie. Outside of work, Mikaela enjoys working out, baking and dancing. 

Kasia graduated from Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Poland in 2022. She has a passionate interest in neurology and has completed many externships at European hospitals. She has an adopted senior dog, Leon, a beloved lab cross. Outside of work, she enjoys art, concerts and theatre. 

Ana graduated from the University of Leon, Spain in 2020. Her keen interests are internal medicine and intensive care. Outside of work, she enjoys going out with her friends, travelling and reading thrillers. 

Hi, I'm Sarah! I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2013 and joined the Vets4Pets team in 2015. Since then, I have progressed from RVN, to Deputy Head Nurse, to Head Nurse and Clinical Services Manager. 

The parts of the job I enjoy the most are nurse consults, particularly diabetes and hyperthyroidism. I also love managing and supporting the growing team of 30 nurses within our 24 hour service, as well as in theatre and in dental radiology. 

In my spare time, I love to travel with my husband and two children, play games and get creative with sewing, painting, or halloween sfx. I have two staffie dogs and two rescue cats, who are longhair tabby cats. 

Hi, I'm Hayley! I joined Vets4Pets in 2018 and I am the deputy head nurse here at Basildon Pitsea. Currently, I am studying for my level 3 diploma in small animal hydrotherapy. 

My professional interests are surgery and theatre nursing, as well as physio and hydrotherapy. In my spare time, I enjoy swimming and caring for my dog, a Saluki Lurcher called Raffles, my Greyhound called Ellie and my two cats, Tom Thumb and Molly. 

Hi, I'm Reece! I began working for Vets4Pets in 2013 as a Student Veterinary Nurse and quickly fell in love with the practice! After qualifying, I also have qualifications in Animal Management, Laboratory Technicians, Anaesthesia and Exotics and Wildlife. 

My main interests are pain relief, cardiology, teaching and ultrasonography. 

Outside of work, I enjoy drawing and tattling, going to the gym and exploring trying new things. I also love looking after my dog, Drake, who is a Rottweiler x Great Dane. 

Hi, I'm Emily! I started working at Vets4Pets Basildon when the practice first opened in 2010, after qualifying as a Veterinary Nurse with a BSc (hons) in Veterinary Nursing from the Royal Veterinary College. 

I worked at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals at the Royal Veterinary College as a Medicine Nurse for a year where I gained valuable experience in nursing more complicated medical cases and general referral nursing.

I have a keen interest in nursing rabbits but also in anaesthesia, both of which I have completed further courses in. I have recently gained my Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care allowing me to further my knowledge in this area.

Outside of work, I enjoy looking after my Abyssinian cat, Leo, my two rabbits Teddy and Scarlett and my Rottweiler, Lola.

Hi, I'm Candice! I began training as a student veterinary nurse at the Animal Health Trust Referral before graduating from university in veterinary nursing science in 2016. 

My favourite area is surgery and ECC (emergency and critical care). In my spare time, I enjoy powerlifting and baking as well as spending time with my dogs, Jai, George and Hugo, who are all small cross-breeds. 

Hi, I'm Emily! I graduated from Writtle in 2018 and have been a Registered Veterinary Nurse ever since.

I have a special interest in diagnostic imaging and surgical nursing. I have also completed a variety of courses to help increase my knowledge and practical skills in these areas! 

When not at work, I enjoy outdoor activities, drawing, spending time with my family and playing with my hamster.

Hi, I'm Amanda! I am a Registered Veterinary Nurse, CertEd qualified and currently studying for my CertVNECC. 

I have a keen interest in anything ECC (emergency and critical care) related. I love dealing with emergencies and enjoy not knowing what you will have to deal with on shift. The best part about the job is being able to save an animal that is rushed into us and watch them get better. I also love partaking in patient care. In my spare time, I enjoy horse riding, walking, reading and spending time with my family and dogs. 

In total, I have 9 pets (3 dogs and 6 cats).

Hi, I'm Jodie! I joined Vets4Pets in June 2018 a as Veterinary Care Assistant and in February 2022, I started my Veterinary Nurse training course. I am due to qualify in January! 

Theatre is my favourite part of the job as it is the area I find the most hands on and I am constantly learning new things. In my spare time, I like going to the gym and keeping fit outside of work, as well as meeting up with friends. 

Hi, I'm Josie! I began working at Vets4Pets in 2019 and I am currently a 2nd year Veterinary Nurse Student. 

I enjoy inpatient care, particularly tending to each patient's individual needs and holistically nursing them back to health and seeing them recover. I enjoy learning about medical conditions and how they affect the rest of the body and I also have interests in ECC (emergency and critical care) as well as surgical nursing. 

I enjoy looking after my guinea pigs (my favourite animals), Poppy, Buttercup, Honey and Hazel. In my spare time, I spend time looking after my piggies, seeing friends and going on walks and bike rides.

Hi, I'm Georgia! I joined the Vets4Pets team in February 2020.

I first started working with animals at the age of thirteen, and started my Veterinary Nurse training at the age of 19. My main interests are theatre and surgical nursing.

In my spare time, I spend time caring for me daughter and my animals. I have a dog, called Daisy, a chinchilla, called Charlie, and a rabbit called Mr Twisp and two budgies! 

Hi, I'm Lily! I joined the practice in 2020 and I am currently studying my level 3 diploma in Veterinary Nursing. 

I love working in inpatient care and nursing the animals back to health and seeing them progress throughout their recovery journey. I also have an interest in emergency care. 

In my spare time, I care for my French Bulldog, called Bits who was a rescue dog and a pseudohermaphrodite. Outside of work, I enjoy going on adventures with Bits and volunteering with young children and performing. 

Hi, I'm Jenna! I started working at Vets4Pets Basildon as a Veterinary Care Assistant in January 2021.

Hi, I'm Ellie! I joined Basildon Pisea Vets4Pets in 2021 as a Veterinary Care Assistant. I have a level 3 animal management diploma and I am currently studying veterinary nursing. 

I have a keen interest in surgery, wards and exotics. What I love the most is seeing the animals that we helped in post-operative care all better and happy.

In my spare time, I enjoy looking after my two tuxedo cats, Poppy and Penny (a rescue from our practice), my ball python called Nydra, my 3 crested geckos, Neo, Peeko and Le Leche and my 15 tarantulas!

Hi, I'm Sarah! I qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in March 2022 and am planning to begin my schedule 3 course in March 2023. 

My favourite aspects of the job are surgical nursing and inpatient care .

In my spare time, I enjoy looking after my dogs, Freya and Nigel as well as socialising with my family and friends. 

Hi, I'm Sam! I joined Vets4Pets Basildon in 2021 as a Student Veterinary Nurse.

My main interests include inpatient care, the lab, behaviour and consults.

In my spare time, I like to travel and create homemade enrichment toys for my 3 cats.

Hi, I'm Ashley! I am a Student Veterinary Nurse. 

The part of the job I find most interesting and rewarding is inpatient care and ECC (emergency and critical care).

Hi, I'm Amy! I previously worked for an animal charity for over three years which I really enjoyed but wanted to move to the medical side of animal care.

I have a fascination with exotic animals and I have had quite a few in my life time. My favourite two so far have been guinea pigs and bearded dragons. My main interests are scrubbing into surgery, emergency and critical care and enjoying the fact that no two days are the same! 

In my spare time, I love to explore nature and visit nature reserves. I also loves being creative and have a hobby of drawing.

Hi, I'm Hannah! I joined the Vets4Pets team in March 2021 and am currently a Veterinary Care Assistant, but looking to start my nursing qualifications in February (fingers crossed!). 

I have always loved animals, and love being a vital part of helping an animal recover and get back home to their families. My interests lie within lab work and inpatient care. 

In my spare time, I enjoy horse riding which I have done for over 12 years now and would love to own a horse one day. I also spend time looking after my cat, two rabbits and my Puerto Rican rescue dog. 

Hi, I'm Sam! I joined Vets4Pets in 2021 as a Night Veterinary Care Assistant.

I enjoy the emergency aspects of the night shifts, no two are the same. It's great watching our hospitalised patients progress and get better throughout the week and being able to give them extra night time cuddles. I also enjoy assisting the vet with surgery and helping to triage emergencies. 

In my spare time, I love gardening, growing vegetables on my allotment and walking my dog. I also have a 55 year old Mediterranean tortoise, which I inherited, called Charlie!

Hi, I'm Alanya! I joined the Vets4Pets Pitsea team as a Client Care Advisor in July 2021. I moved over to a clinical role in June 2022 as a Veterinary Care Assistant.

I have previously worked in busy hospitality environments and enjoys delivering high standards of customer service, no matter what role I am in! 

In my spare time, I enjoy camping and surfing. 

Hi I'm Maisie! I joined the Vets4Pets Basildon team in September 2021 as a Receptionist, and have now moved onto a Veterinary Care Assistant.

I have interests in the lab and inpatient care.

I have always loved animals and have grown up with a range of animals my whole life. I also currently have 7 cats! And a rescue American Bulldog called Bonnie who is deaf.

Hi, I'm Kayleigh! I started in veterinary in 2016 and qualified in 2018 with a level 3 in animal management. I joined Vets4Pets Basildon Pitsea in 2020. 

The parts of the job I love include impatient care and in general taking care of the animals. I would love to learn more about anaesthesia! 

In my spare time, I enjoy looking after my pets Betty, a rescue cross-breed and Sid, my pet rat. I also like rock climbing and spending time with family and friends. 

Hi, I'm Georgia! I qualified in Animal Management about 8 years ago.

In my job, I enjoy the emergency aspects, especially because you get to see such a range of different things every day. I also like helping the animals recover after they have been under anaesthetic. I am also really interested in pursuing an exotics course! 

In my spare time, I like to do photography, baking, shopping and spending time with my friends. I also love arts and crafts, nature walks and exploring new places. I have a cat called Smudge, who is a half ragdoll.

Hi, I'm Ben! I joined Vets4Pets in June 2022 as a Kennel Assistant having always wanted to work with animals. I have an interest in inpatient care.

I have previously worked in retail and volunteered in my spare time at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary.

In my spare time, other than volunteering, I spend time with family and friends. 

Hi, I'm Chloe! I graduated in Registered Veterinary Nursing and Practice Management in 2020 from Harper Adams University. My interests lie within inpatient care and ECC (emergency and critical care). 

In my spare time, I spend time visiting my family in Shropshire as well as exploring out and about with my two miniature poodles, Kaiju and Mimi and looking after my two house rabbits, Bertie and Binky, and my pet rat. 

Hi, I'm Ellie! I completed my Animal Management Extended Diploma in 2020 and work as a Kennel Assistant and Veterinary Care Assistant here at Basildon Pitsea Vets4Pets. 

The best part of the job is being able to help inpatients in their recovery and working alongside such a great team. 

I have a dog, called Rambo who is a rescue Jack Russell. I also have two cats, named Chaos and Mayhem, two corn snakes called Noodle and Pumpkin and a ball python named Basil! Outside of work and looking after my pets, I enjoy reading horror books and drawing. 

Hi, I'm Emma! I am a kennel assistant here at Basildon Pitsea Vets4Pets. In my role, I enjoy the variety of animals that come into our practice and love being a helping hand. I also enjoy lab work and working closely with inpatients. 

Outside of work, I enjoy caring for my black and white short-haired cat, Felix and making enrichment for my two Dutch Cross rabbits, called Orla and Otis. In my spare time, I enjoy sailing and socialising with friends. 

Hi, I'm Hannah! I am a Veterinary Care Assistant and Kennel Assistant here at Basildon Pitsea Vets4Pets. I have an interest in the lab, recovery and inpatient care.

Hi, I'm Lisa! I am a Veterinary Care Assistant and Kennel Assistant here at Basildon Pitsea Vets4Pets. I like inpatient care, comforting the animals, learning new things and the fact that no two days are the same.

Hi, I'm Maisie! I am at college studying hard to become a registered veterinary nurse. 

My current favourite area is inpatient care, as I am able to get to know patients whilst caring for them and giving them plenty of love. I am also head of lab and have a love of pathology! 

At home, I have 7 cats and a deaf American Bulldog, called Bonnie. In my spare time, I love swimming, travelling and exploring different cultures. 

Hi, I'm Nikki! I started my career as a Neuro Physiotherapist in the NHS many years ago which has and would always be one of the most fulfilling roles I have ever done. Whilst in the NHS, I gained further qualifications in management and progressed into working as a clinical manager organizing and delivering services across South West Essex.

I left this role to team up with Shola to achieve our long term dream of being able to offer excellent patient focused care to all the pets we are privileged to look after whilst at the same time delivering great client experience.

I am blessed with three beautiful boys who ensure that I don’t ever have a dull moment! Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies and travelling the world.

Hi, I'm Karen! I have been with the team since they opened in 2010. I started off in reception but found my expertise lie within insurance and finances! I am proud to say that I now run this department. I love my job and feel that every day provides something new.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending my free time with my family and taking my teenage son to his many football matches. I also has a Staffie, called Daisy, and a 50 year old tortoise called Dave!

Jackie is our Senior Client Care Advisor. She holds qualifications in animal care and feline and canine behaviour. She is also part of the British Veterinary Receptionist Association and holds the Client Care Bronze and Silver Awards. At home, I have two cheeky dogs known as the Bintys, as well as an extensive collection of insects, spiders, beetles, reptiles and frogs. 

Hi, I'm Lucy! I joined Vets4pets in 2018 after leaving school. Before joining, I had several part time jobs in kennels and a cattery.

I have always loved animals and caring for them. I have my own pets at home, including a Welsh Springer Spaniel, Oscar and a horse called Eddie. In my spare time, I enjoy going out with my friends and spending time with my pets.

I am really enjoying my time here at Vets4pets. 

Roisin has several qualifications including Accredited Veterinary Receptionist, Competent Veterinary Dispenser and as a Mental Health First Aider. Her favourite thing about her role as Finance Co-Ordinator, is problem solving, helping clients with complex queries and coming up with solutions. 

I have two spaniels (Layla and Lola) and two house rabbits (Lyla and Angie). Outside of work, I love spending time with my big family. I enjoy going on walks, hikes and climbs, basically anything outdoors! 

Eloise is a Client Care Advisor here at Vets4Pets Basildon Pitsea. My favourite part of my role is being around the animals, particularly the dogs and seeing them go home once they are feeling better. At home, I have many dogs who I just can't resist bringing home! My most loved breeds are miniature dachshunds. Outside of work, I enjoy walks with my dogs and then cuddles on the sofa! 

Hi, I'm Tayla! I joined Vets4Pets in November 2021, having previously worked in a customer service role at an events security company.

I have always liked the idea of working within the animal care industry and like to deliver high standards of customer care. 

In my spare time, I look after my 3 children, 3 dogs, 2 cats and 2 tortoises that keep me very busy!

Courtney joined our team in 2022 as a Client Care Advisor and is currently studying for the SQP. Her favourite thing about the job is seeing so many cute animals every day! At home, Courtney has several pets including a Chihuahua called Lucifer, 2 rabbits called Fluffy and Bunny, 2 guinea pigs called Patch and Steve and a Russian hamster called Pumpkin. In her spare time, Courtney loves to read and go to sites of historical interest. 

Hi I'm Georgia! I joined the Vets4Pets team in April 2022. I previously worked in security in London for the railways.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Nicola is an Animal Nursing Assistant and qualified in 2004. My favourite thing about my role is working as a team, meeting all the animals and building a rapport with clients so they leave happy. I have 2 cats, Foggy and Willow, a bearded dragon and a musk turtle. Outside of work, I enjoy photography, watching the local ice hockey team, volunteering with Big Cats and going on adventures with my son, like our Snowdon trip! 

Hi, I'm Danielle! I joined Vets4Pets in 2022. I previously worked as a receptionist in hotels. I have a keen interest in progressing my career here within Vets4Pets, particularly in nursing. 

In my spare time, I enjoy socialising with friends and family and going to see shows in London.

Emma is qualified in SQP for companion animals. What Emma likes most about her role is helping clients and the variety that it brings. I get great job satisfaction knowing that I have helped someone. Sadly, I don't have any of my own pets yet. Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family and learning about the Tudor period. I also love spending time at the beach, going on long walks and listening to waves.