Veterinary nurses

Head Nurse

Jacqui, our Head Nurse, was born and bred in Oldham. She joined Briar Dawn Veterinary Centre in September 2005 after working in other local practices. Jacqui qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) in 2006 after undertaking her training at Myerscough College. She enjoys all aspect of nursing, but particularly likes medical and surgical nursing. Jacqui is also our insurance administrator and is responsible for ensuring you get your money back from the insurance company! She enjoys nurse clinics and has a particular interest in weight clinics.

Jacqui has a dog called Lewis (named after Lewis Hamilton, the racing driver), her favourite sport is Formula One. Jacqui also has a beautiful little girl called Abbie.

Auxiliary Nurse

Ruth is our auxiliary nurse, and has over 15 years experience in nursing. She is responsible for keeping things ship shape in the practice, and generally helps out wherever she is needed. She knows most of our pet owners and their pets very well, having worked in the area for a long time. Ruth has been with the practice since we opened our doors in October 2004. She has three cats and a Border Collie, Texas. Outside of work she enjoys walking her dog and cooking. She is also an avid reader and enjoys educational programmes on television.

Megan came to work for us after completing her studies in animal management. She has a keen interest in nursing and enjoys interacting with clients and pets alike. Her working day revolves around the care of hospitalised in-patients and day surgery cases. This involves giving lots of hands on TLC to your furry family members and more technical medical nursing and theatre work.

Megan successfully completed her VCA (Veterinary Care Assistant) qualification, moving on to training to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse. In April of 2018 Megan passed her exams becoming a fully qualified, Registered Veterinary Nurse in May

Annabelle qualified in early 2019 after successfully completing her nurse training here at Briar Dawn. You’ll shortly be meeting her in nurse consults. When she’s not at work she can be found ankle deep in mud tending to or riding her horses.

Vicki started with Briar Dawn Veterinary Centre as one of our receptionists in October 2014. She subsequently passed her course in Veterinary Reception with distinction! She had an interest in learning the work of a Nursing Auxiliary and took to that role brilliantly. Vicki passed her Veterinary Care Assistant qualification with merit and went on to qualify as a veterinary nurse in September 2019.

Vicki is Sussex born and bred and moved “Up North” to live with her partner and their four cats; Audrey, Loki, Max and Charlie. Outside of work Vicki enjoys running, cycling, camping and all things outdoors.

Shelley is one of the senior members of our nursing team. She qualified from Myerscough College with a foundation degree in Veterinary Nursing in 2013. Shelley has worked in a number of practices in the Greater Manchester area and joined us in December 2014. Shelley enjoys advising clients on their pets’ needs one to one in nurse consultations and participating in surgical procedures particularly. She is a clinical coach, helping to train the student and trainee nurses.

In her spare time Shelley captains a badminton team in Rochdale and loves baking. She also has two Yorkies, Millie and Poppy, who were rescued as strays from a previous practice.

Victoria joined the team in February 2016 after coming to work here as a locum nurse. She was so lovely we twisted her arm to stay! Vicky turns her hand to all nursing roles and is currently our Practice Health Plan Administrator. In addition, Vicky runs a large number of the nurse clinics.