Dunedin Vets pair on path to dream career as veterinary nurses

Dunedin Vets pair on path to dream career as veterinary nurses

TWO members of staff from Dunedin Vets are set to embark on their dream careers as veterinary nurses. 

Ellen Graham and Paul Middler will begin studying for a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at SRUC in Oatridge in West Lothian, Scotland, in September.

The pair will combine their studies with working at Dunedin Vets’ main surgery in Tranent, where they are currently employed as Animal Care Assistants.

Ellen joined Dunedin Vets in October 2016 after deciding a Biological Science course at Napier University wasn’t for her.

The 22-year-old, from Dunbar, has always wanted to work with animals and owns a Miniature Schnauzer called Oscar.

Ellen said: “Studying to become a veterinary nurse while working at Dunedin Vets is a great opportunity as I’ve always wanted to work with animals, while combining it with the science side of things.

“I love working at the veterinary practice as you get to know the clients and their pets, and everyone is very dedicated to providing the best level of care for animals.”

Paul, 21, from Haddington, has worked at Dunedin Vets for two years and used to do work experience at the practice while he was still at Knox Academy, before completing a National Certificate in Animal Care at SRUC’s Oatridge Campus.

A keen bird keeper, who owns an orange-winged amazon called Billy, Paul has his sights set on specialising in the care and treatment of exotics and birds.

Paul said: “I’ve owned Billy since last October as he needed to be rehomed. He has taken over run of the house and terrorises dogs and cats

“I’ve always been interested in birds as my grandad owned an African Grey Parrott and my grandma had a budgie. I used to have a Harris hawk and I’ve also rescued barn owls.”

Dunedin Vets has four sites across East Lothian, with its main practice is in Tranent and branch surgeries in North Berwick, Prestonpans and Dunbar, with a total of 21 staff working across the group, including six vets, seven veterinary nurses and eight reception and admin staff.

It serves a client base of 5,000 pet owners from the outskirts of Edinburgh, across to Berwick-upon-Tweed, and down to the Borders.

Its Tranent centre is fully equipped with a large surgical suite, medical, X-ray, ultrasound, diagnostic and hospital facilities.

Dunedin Vets recently joined VetPartners, which is made up of some of the UK’s most respected and trusted veterinary practices.

For media enquiries, please contact Amanda Little, VetPartners Head of PR and Communications, on 0191 274 7910 or email amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk