Veterinary nurses

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.

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.

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.

Laura joined Briar Dawn in December 2020 after recently moving back to the area from Leeds. She qualified as an RVN in 2016 after completing her nursing at Myerscough College. Laura love all aspects of the role but her main interests are emergency and critical care and surgery.

Outside of work she is kept busy by her daughter Layla and Golden Retriever Bella. They love being outdoors and going for long country walks.

Ruth is our auxiliary nurse, and has over 15 years experience in veterinary practice. 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 two cats named Dexter and Finn 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.

Charna joined Briar Dawn in November 2020 as a patient care assistant, meaning her role is to ensure your pet has a comfortable recovery and is kept happy and healthy. She also runs in house blood tests, making sure the theatre and prep room are kept sterile and organised. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing video game reviews and cuddling her two Spaniels, Riley and Finn.