Frances Allen BVMS, MRVS

I am the practice principle. I qualified from Glasgow in 1980 and settled in the North East in the mid 1980's. I worked at Middlesbrough PDSA & then in a private practice in Sunderland until I decided to start the Gilmoor practice in 1989.

I am truly a general practitioner but my interests are surgery and reproduction and I have been very involved in the greyhound industry as a vet since qualification, treating them and attending race tracks as the track vet (and lately as an owner of these magnificent dogs). This resulted in 2006 in my becoming President of the Society of Greyhound Veterinarians. You will probably see our smaller dogs, the Jack Russell's, around the practice as at least one of them usually accompanies me to work.

Kourosh Setch BVMS, MRCVS

Hello! I qualified from Glasgow University in the summer of 1989. I spent my first few years working in mixed practice in Derbyshire, Gloucester and Essex. During this time I pursued further studies in diagnostic imaging mainly through Bristol University to assist my increasing small animal surgical caseload. I then moved to small animal practice to work towards a certificate in small animal surgery. After a short career break travelling, I moved to the North East with my wife and have been associated with the Gilmoor Vet Group ever since.

I have been able to advance my studies in small animal surgery both through the practice caseload and with the assistance of a local referral clinic. I am currently working Monday, Thursday and Friday, with regular weekends whilst I help with looking after our young family. I look forward to looking after your animal(s) with my team members.

Peter Van Der Eijk MRCVS

I grew up around the Hague and went to the Utrecht University. My affection for animals underpins my profession as a Veterinary Surgeon. Initially I spent a brief period in a mixed practice and a research institute (pathology).

I now work mainly in a small animal practice. My specialities include; cardiology, orthopaedics, ultrasonography and dentistry.

However, I try not to lose sight of the day to day work of a busy practice by performing; health checks, weight monitoring, dental checks and diet (the basics).

My spare time is taken up with; rowing, walking, theatre, choral singing, museums, city venturing, cycling and eating out with friends.

Deborah Stafford Vet MB MRCVS GPCert ExAP

Hello, I'm Deborah another Veterinary Surgeon at Gilmoor Vets. I have been with the practice since 2005 and work mainly at the central branch in Durham, or our Spennymoor surgery.

I enjoy all aspects of small animal medicine with a special interest in cytology and tumour investigations. I have also completed further study and examinations to gain a European qualification in Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery (GPCert ExAP) which means I am better able to work with the weird and often very wonderful exotic pets that come to see us.

Out of work I am kept busy looking after my hairy lurcher Mackerel, 2 mischievous cats, tortoises, snakes, skink and an axolotyl! I also practice Capoeira (a Brazilian martial art) and am trying to turn my muddy garden into tasty veg.

Keith Stewart BVMS, MRCVS

I'm Keith Stewart, a graduate of Glasgow University Veterinary School.

I'm originally from central Scotland but since qualifying have worked entirely in the North East and Yorkshire, mainly in mixed practice. I've now settled in Small Animal Practice to further my interests that include gun dogs, surgery and orthopaedics.

I joined the practice in 2006, I work at all three branches and also provide veterinary support for the Newcastle greyhound track.

I enjoy running and hill-walking and regularly compete in Mountain Marathons. I also completed the Tough Guy Nettle Warrior Challenge 2009.

Becky Hyland Veterinary Surgeon

I'm Becky and I'm originally from Reading but grew up in Perthshire and qualified from the Royal Dick Veterinary College, Edinburgh in 2006.

I initially worked in a mixed practice before moving to Durham in February 2009.

I enjoy all aspects of Small Animal Practice, although I am developing a keen interest in soft tissue surgery. You will often find me in or around the Ops room at Durham or at our branch in Sunderland.

Outside of work I enjoy judo, horse riding, theatre/cinema, a bit of DIY, baking and socialising.

Adele Harrison Veterinary Surgeon

My name is Adele Harrison, I graduated in 2003 from Glasgow Veterinary School. I spent my first 5 years in a mixed practice in Oban and moved down to Bradford in 2008 to work in a small animal practice, hoping to further my interest in small animal medicine.

I joined the practice in November 2010 making me the new kid on the block. My professional interests include small animal internal medicine, emergency medicine and behaviour and my hobbies are embroidery, gardening, horse riding and computer games.

I joined the practice in November 2010 making me the new kid on the block. My professional interests include small animal internal medicine, emergency medicine and behaviour and my hobbies are embroidery, gardening, horse riding and computer games.

I have 2 lovely dogs that you might see around the practice - one Boxer x Springer and one pure Springer Spaniel, one cat, 2 chinchillas and 2 rabbits. I also keep freshwater tropical fish.

I'm generally to be found at either the Durham or Spennymoor branches with occasional days at Sunderland and I'm looking forward to meeting all of you and your lovely pets in the coming months.

Helen Wilson - VN

My name is Helen and I have been with the practice since 2001.

I love all aspects of my job but have a keen interest in surgical nursing,dentistry and diabetics.

I have a cat called Rascal and and a bionic dog called Holly who is my little star!

Nicola Staplin - VN

My name is Nicola Staplin and I joined the practice in July 1991 as a trainee Veterinary Nurse, having previously attended for work experience.

Apart from my general nursing role, I am responsible for completing insurance claim forms that do not require the veterinary surgeon to do so and for dealing with any insurance related enquiries.

I am also involved in running regular puppy parties which are a lot of fun.

Claire Harrison - VN

Hi, I'm Claire, I have been working at Gilmoor since April 2000 and qualified as a veterinary nurse in January 2008.

When I am not at work I enjoy socialising with friends and walking with my husband and two dogs Molly and Megan.

Deborah Mitchell - VN

Hi, I'm Deborah, I have been in full time employment at Gilmoor Vets since 2004.

I qualified as a veterinary nurse in January 2008.

Outside of work I enjoy horse riding, eating out and socialising with friends.

Michelle Percival - VN

My name is Michelle Percival and I have been qualified as a Veterinary Nurse since 2009.

I enjoy all aspects of my job especially nurses clinics and theatre work.

When I’m not at work my time is taken up looking after my daughter and my 2 cats Molly and Moses.

Bekki Mullett - Trainee VN

Hi, My name is Bekki, I started working at the practice in September 2009 as a student Veterniary Nurse and I am currently in my second year of training.

My favourite parts of my job are being hands on with the patients, being in theatre and learning new things!

I have wanted to work with animals since a very young age and look forward to coming to work every day.

Tracey Coxon - Kennel Assistant

Hi my name is Tracey: I started volunteering here when I was enrolled in an animal care course at Houghall College in 2005. I was offered a full time job as a general theatre and kennel assistant in May 2006.

I have always loved animals and it has always been my ambition to work with animals in some way. I enjoy my job and love coming to work.

I have three dogs at home and in my spare time, my children and I love to take them for long walks. Horse riding is another passion of mine, although these days I don't seem to find the time.

Janice Gash - Manager

Hi, I am the Practice Manager and have been so since July 2000. Before this I was the receptionist at our Spennymoor Clinic from joining the practice in 1994.

To relax I enjoy time with family and friends, live music and holidays to explore different cultures.

Catharine McLinden - Admin

I have worked for the practice since 1997, I was a client before I became an employee.

I started working on the reception desk at our Marshall Terrace site, I have worked in the admin office since moving to the Hare and Hounds site and am responsible for recording and balancing the accounts, banking and general administration duties.

I live locally, I am married with two grown up daughters and a grandson and I own a beautiful retired racing greyhound who is the perfect pet for me as she only needs short bursts of exercise - she does the running and I do the watching !! followed by long lazy hours in her comfy bed.

Christine Bell - Receptionist

I joined the practice over 16 years ago as a part time receptionist which soon turned into full time hours. I work mainly at Durham but cover holidays at both Sunderland and Spennymoor. I find the job very rewarding and love meeting both clients and their animals - two days are never the same! Over the years I've seen a great many changes within the practice, the biggest being the move to our present building and the advances in the medicine and equipment the practice now uses.

My interest in animals started at a very young age, being brought up in Hett Village where there were lots of farms. I started riding horses at the age of three and they have been a big part of my life since. Over the years I have owned a variety of animals and at one time used to show guinea pigs and rabbits. After I married we got our first dog, which was a Cairn Terrier, this was joined by another Cairn a few years later. Since then we have owned, bred and shown Airedale and Norfolk Terriers (the latter of which some of you will have noticed behind reception at Durham). The highlight was qualifying and showing our first home-bred Airedale at Crufts. My other interests include gardening and weekends away in our motorhome.

Joan Parker - Receptionist

UPDATE AUGUST 2011

After many happy years with the practice, working at our Sunderland branch, Joan has decided to take her well earned retirement.

We hope she enjoys her free time but we are sure that she will miss her clients and their pets terribly!!

BIG THANK YOU TO JOAN FOR ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK OVER THE YEARS!

Katherine Naisbitt - Receptionist

My name is Katherine. I have been working at Gilmoor for over 20 years and have seen many changes.

I started work as a nurse but I now work as a receptionist at Durham.

When I am not at work I have a very busy life looking after my Four boys and various animals.

Christine Graham - Receptionist

My name is Christine, I'm a local girl from Ferryhill. I have worked at Gilmoor Vets Limited for eight years and for the last six have been your friendly face at Spennymoor Surgery.

Working at the vets is great especially as I am interested in animal behaviour, love visiting dog and cat shows, and have many varied pets of my own.

Laura Tomkins - Receptionist

I started working at the practice in May 2010. Everyone made me feel right at home and I settled in with ease. I previously worked in a primary school office.

I don't have any pets at the moment as I am hoping to get on the property ladder soon and will be busy with building work but I do hope to have some pets later once I am settled. Previously I have owned horses, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, budgies, terrapins and tropical fish.

I enjoy horse riding, reading and going out to socialise with friends.

Amy Brown - Receptionist

My name is Amy and I started working at the practice in June 2011.

I am the receptionist at Sunderland. I enjoy working at Park Veterinary Clinic as every day is different.

I have lots of pets of my own which takes up most of my time when I am not working.