Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon - Hampshire

Here at Seadown Vets, we are looking for a surgeon to join us at our hospital in Hythe, in the heart of the New Forest. We are a strong, independent, well equipped small animal hospital with two branch surgeries, where you will have all the clinical freedom and support to succeed in your clinical aspirations, whilst having the time off to enjoy living in a National Park area and a coastal location. The emphasis in our practice life is teamwork, and our team is everything.

While we are a mixed practice (small animal and equine), this role is purely for the small animal side. We have an experienced team of 11 SA vet FTEs with multiple certificate holders; and 21 VNs ensuring excellent VN support to the vets. We also provide an Ophthalmology referral service to the South of England and have visiting Orthopaedic and Exotics consultants. In addition to the beautiful purpose-build hospital, we have two smaller branch surgeries nearby which are manned by other members of the team.

The role is based at the hospital and would suit someone with the experience to undertake more advanced surgical or diagnostic procedures and the career drive for a potential future development of their career. However, if you just want to be part of skilled and experienced team, in a busy dynamic practice that provides plenty of support that is fine too!

One of our fantastic vets Ann, relocated to Yorkshire last year, but here is what she had to say about working at Seadown.

‘Working for Seadown was rewarding for me on many levels. When I arrived, one of the nurses described working there as being ‘like one big family’. I was initially sceptical, but it proved to be true. The entire team were committed to providing a high standard of client and animal care.  I was allowed complete clinical freedom to investigate and manage cases. At the same time, the wide range of skills and areas of special interest amongst the vets meant that there was always the opportunity to discuss those challenging cases and to bounce ideas around when feeling a bit stumped.

The Directors recognise the importance of balancing the needs of the practice with the work: life balance of the staff to ensure they can function at their best.  They were very willing to look at rota/hours that worked for me. They also took time to acknowledge and express their thanks for your contribution to the practice. Feeling that your efforts are not just noticed but appreciated means so much. Like any practice, it could be stressful at times, but there was a lot of laughter (and a lot of cake!). As a bonus, although not Yorkshire, the New Forest is a lovely place to live and work!’

RVN Caz, was with us for over 30 years! The only reason she left was to head up a team of her own at one of the biggest referral centres in the South Coast, but here is how she feels about her time here.

‘Seadown is a fabulous practice to work with a mix of small and large animal and referral work with progress thoroughly supported & encouraged which combined make it ideal for gaining nursing experience, ability and confidence.

The Seadown team are a large family which makes working there rewarding both professionally & emotionally. A practice I will always recommend to potential staff & clients. I consider myself fortunate to have worked there for three decades and I am the nurse I am today as a result of their support. I will always miss being there!’
 

CPD is actively encouraged and funded. Certificate study is supported with 10 days (pro-rata) CPD study and significant additional financial support. Certificate or Advanced Practitioner status is financially recognised in salaries.

We have some really fantastic kit here, including two ultrasound machines, DR digital x-ray, a laparoscope, dental x-ray and a Laser. Our ophthalmology department is also extremely well kitted out with slit lamps, Tonopens and we can treat a variety of conditions including lens luxation’s and cataracts repair.

The full-time week is for 40 hours per week, and will be split between consulting and surgery sessions, however we are very flexible and can work the week to your preference. i.e., if you would like more surgical sessions, that is something can be put in place for you!

We offer excellent new graduate support, and a mentor will be allocated to you and we have several vets who have completed the Vet GDP programme

The new grad starting salary is from £34,720 and is up to £76,000 for an experienced surgeon. There are 6.6 weeks annual leave plus a further holiday buying scheme, RCVS, VDS and BSAVA fees are all paid for and there is also the possibility for accommodation above the branches should you need.

Do we sound like the perfect working family team for you? Please apply now or call for an informal chat.