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

Born a Dutch city-boy, my affection for animals underpinned my profession as a Veterinary Surgeon. After a brief period in mixed practice and research (pathology) I worked mainly in small animal practice. My special interests are health checks, weight monitoring, clean teeth and good food (the basics). I did advanced courses in Orthopaedics and about ten years ago I started with a special interest in cardiology and ultrasonography.

Other pleasures in life are:- my partner Milja (Veterinary Surgeon), Peter - our cat, walking short and long distance paths (England has a superb public footpath network), rowing on the Wear - Durham, good organic food, environmental issues, choral singing (Durham Cathedral) and bird watching.

Alan Dawson BVMS, MRCVS

One of the Veterinary Surgeons, originating from the Emerald Isle, I qualified from the Royal Dick Veterinary College, Edinburgh in 2003. I spent a year in mixed Practice before settling at Gilmoor Vets.

A new found interest in Greyhound racing has led me to do veterinary duties at Sunderland racecourse several times a month.

Outside of work I like to socialise with friends.

Deborah Stafford MRCVS

My name is Deborah Stafford and I am one of the veterinary surgeons at the practice. I qualified from Cambridge in 2003 and moved to the North East. I have been working for GVG for 2 years.

My special interests include exotic animal work and all aspects of small animal medicine.

You will most often find me at Durham or Spennymoor branch where you may also meet my hairy lurcher dog called Mackerel! A cat, five snakes and an axolotl complete my menagerie.

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 which include gun dogs, surgery and orthopaedics.

I joined the practice in 2006, so am the newcomer to the veterinary team.

Helen Wilson - VN

Hi, my name is Helen. I am a qualified Veterinary Nurse and practice assessor. I have worked here now for 5 years and enjoy all aspects of my job.

My main interests are surgical nursing and dentistry and have recently organised my own nursing clinic in dental care.

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.

I became Head Nurse for approx. 4 years before my 2 children came along. I then worked as part of the Reception Team due to time restrictions. I did however rediscover Veterinary Nursing last year and work Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday evenings and Sunday mornings at our Durham Clinic.

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. Now that my children are both shortly going to be of school age, I intend to participate more again in the practice, such as running puppy parties in 2007.

Claire Hardman - VN

My name is Claire Hardman and I started working here in April 2000 as a work experience student whilst studying animal care at Houghall College, then after a year and a half I was taken on as full-time staff.

I have just recently successfully completed my nursing training, to become a qualified Veterinary Nurse within the practice. My favourite aspects of the job are the 'hands on' part, especially with our more wriggly patients. I also enjoy meeting our patients and their owners.

When not at work I enjoy socialising with my friends. I also do a lot of camping in the Lake District with my partner and our two dogs Molly & Megan.

Deborah Mitchell - Student VN

Hi, I'm Deborah. Having passed my final nursing exams, I am hoping to finish my portfolio very soon which means I will be a fully qualified Veterinary Nurse.

I have worked for Gilmoor Vets for two and a half years full time but before this I did my work experience and weekend work here.

The part of the job I most enjoy is the actual nursing of sick and injured animals. I have a dog called Dillon and a cat called Smiff who soon will be 18 years old!! Outside of work I enjoy eating out and socialising with friends.

Kay Dixon - Student VN

I am a Student Veterinary Nurse and have been with the practice for almost 2 years. My favourite part of my job is the nursing clinics.

I have 1 pet dog called Emmie who I enjoy taking for long walks outside of work time.

Michelle Percival - Student VN

My name is Michelle Percival and I've been a Student Veterinary Nurse for 1 1/2 years. I previously studied an Animal Management Course at Houghall College where I was awarded 'Student of the Year'.

I enjoy all aspects of my job especially nurses clinics.

When I'm not at work my time is taken up studying and looking after my 2 cats - Molly and Moses.

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

My name is Janice Gash and my role is Practice Manager. I work Monday to Friday 8am to 1pm also being available outside these times should the need arise.

I have worked for the practice for twelve years, 6 of which I spent as a branch receptionist based in Spennymoor. My role is very diverse with tasks too numerous to list but the main responsibility is to ensure a consistent good level of service to clients and staff alike. I am always open to suggestions on how to improve the practice or my role within the practice. I have learned a great deal about the veterinary profession in this time and continue to learn daily.

I am in my early forties (just), married with one son aged 16. My husband Michael is a machine setter and we have been married for 25 years. My son Ben is in his last year at school and will hopefully move onto a promising career in joinery. He is also a drummer in a band. I love spending time with family and friends and enjoy travel, music and reading. My personal ambition is to own a home abroad where we can eventually afford to retire to.

Catharine McLinden - Admin

I have been employed by the Practice for 9 years. I was originally employed as a receptionist and am now employed in the Admin Office being responsible for the accounts/invoice etc. I am married with two grown up daughters and live locally.

I have always had pet dogs and was a client before I was a member of staff.

My best friend is my retired racing greyhound 'Isla' whom I adopted from the practice.

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

I joined the practice in 2000 as a part-time receptionist at Durham. After about six months I was transferred to Sunderland where I am now the permanent receptionist and responsible for the smooth running of that branch of the practice.

I enjoy meeting and greeting the clients and of course their many and various pets that come into the surgery. Clients at Sunderland become like old friends and often pop in to say hello even when their pets are fit and well, one recently suggested we get a table and chairs for a chat over coffee and cakes!

Having lost my old, smelly, hairy, wonderful mixture of a dog, I make up for her loss by enjoying everyone else's pets. As you can see I think this is a lovely way to earn a living, never boring, never two days the same. Varied and interesting from start to finish.

As I often say to our clients, we have no 'scary vets' at this practice, all approachable and good to work with, we're a good team all round.

Come and join us, everyone is welcome.

Katherine Staplin - Receptionist

My name is Katherine. I have worked at Gilmoor Vet Group for nearly 19 years, one of the originals!

For the first 12 years, I worked as a nursing assistant and for the past 7 as a receptionist at Durham. In that time, I have seen the practice grow from a single vet to the seven vets of today.

I now work part-time as I have 3 sons at home along with my 2 dogs, Reggie and Freddie and Alfie, the rabbit.

Catherine Weir - Receptionist

My name is Catherine Weir, I have worked at the Durham branch for three years as a receptionist. My other responsibility is photocopying, making sure we always have enough forms for the vets and nurses.

I qualified one year ago to do Reiki, a form of healing, which I use to help my co-workers and also their pets with some very good results. I have just finished a short course in Dog Grooming. I also like to do a bit of dog walking at the weekends. My pet is called Jesse James who is a three year old lurcher.

Christine Graham - Receptionist

My name is Christine, I'm a local girl from Ferryhill. I have worked at Gilmoor Veterinary Group 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.

Barbara Luckham - Receptionist

I've been with the practice as a receptionist since 2002 and absolutely love my work. It is thoroughly enjoyable to be part of a team so dedicated to the well- being of the animals in their care.

My hobbies outside of work include travel, dancing, walking and reading.