Sarah Simpson, BVM+S MRCVS
Clinical Director
I grew up on a farm, so many of my early memories include animals of one sort or another. Choosing a career where I could spend every day with different types of animals and help to keep them happy and healthy seemed like a natural choice.
Hawick is my hometown, and it was always my dream to move back here to work. This opportunity came just six months after qualifying, while I was working in Cumbria so I jumped at the chance.
In 1991, I became a partner in the practice at which time it was situated in Drumlanrig Square and was much smaller than it is now. Since then I have seen how well Hawick Vets has adapted to the challenges the business has faced. In 2008, Andrew joined with me in partnership, and together we drove some significant changes – not least the relocation to our current premises in 2011! Alongside hard work and dedication, this role has also brought some great rewards, especially the feeling of satisfaction in running the practice on our own terms and knowing that we have the freedom to provide healthcare to suit each animal’s situation.
My job isn’t just a job to me – it’s a lifestyle. The fact that we are able to look after horses and large animals as well as domestic pets makes it a varied one too… Our local community is an even bigger bonus: I love that we know so many of our clients on a personal level too, and can watch their pets grow and performance animals reach their full potential.
Andrew Robinson, BSc (Hons) BVMS MRCVS
Clinical Director
Like Sarah, I also come from a farming background, and I think this contributes to my continued interest in working with farm animals today. You might have even seen my name at the bottom of an article in the Scottish Farmer magazine – I’m a regular contributor.
After graduating with a degree in genetics I completed my veterinary degree in 1999. I have been in mixed practice since (with an 18-month interlude working for the commercial company that was associated with “Dolly” the sheep).
I initially joined Hawick Vets as a locum vet in 2004. But as soon as I joined Sarah in ownership four years later, I realised the benefits of being able to make decisions ourselves, rather than having to wait for sign-off from higher levels of management. This allows us to provide veterinary care exactly how we think best.
Today we still thrive on the variety of cases that we deal with on a daily basis, and the opportunity to care for big, small, house-dwelling and field-dwelling animals alike. Our work days are always interesting, always fulfilling and rarely quiet!
Why not come and see us in practice? Our team are always happy to show you around and talk to you about your animal. Simply give us a call on 01450 372038 – we’ll see you soon.
Catharine Gale, MA, Vet MB MRCVS
Clinical Director
Catharine qualified from Cambridge in 1996 and has been with the practice since March 2010. Catharine grew up in Perthshire and since qualifying has worked in England and New Zealand before joining the team at Hawick Vets.
Catharine enjoys all elements of mixed practice and has a keen interest in opthalmology. Outside work she keeps busy spending time in the beautiful Scottish Borders with a young family and various pets.
Jenny Sharp-Dent, BVM+S MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Jenny qualified in 2005 from Edinburgh University and worked in mixed practice on the west of Scotland before joining the practice in July 2008. Jenny works part time but takes a share of the out of hours rota. Jenny enjoys treating all species of animal and has a black Labrador called Penny.
Neil Adams, BVM+S MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Neil graduated from Glasgow University Veterinary School and quickly developed an interest in Orthopaedics during his first few years in clinical practice. Neil initially started accepting Orthopaedic referrals when he worked for a large group of first opinion practices in Auckland, New Zealand.
Following a period as an Intern in a large surgical referral practice in the south of England he worked for a number of years as an Orthopaedic Surgeon in a busy referral practice in the north of England. He has worked solely in Orthopaedic referral practice since 2007 and has gained experience at several referral practices both in the UK and abroad.
Neil gained the Certificate of Advanced Veterinary Practice (General Small Animal Surgery) in 2012 and is an RCVS recognised Advanced Practitioner in General Small Animal Surgery.
His main professional interests are the treatment of Cruciate Disease, arthroscopy and fracture repair.
Diana Hickson, BVetMed MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Diana qualified from London in 2005. She has since worked in mixed practice in Durham and then Duns until joining us in May 2017.
Diana enjoys all aspects of mixed practice and currently works on a Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Diana spends the rest of her time busy at home on the farm with her family.
The Nursing Team
Our veterinary nursing team are an invaluable part of our practice in caring for your pet. They assist our vets in many ways, including nursing consults, care of our hospitalised patients, preparing patients for theatre, monitoring anaesthetics and assisting in operations. A crucial part of their role is providing plenty of cuddles and individual care to the in-patients to help their recovery and recouperation.
Vanessa McClure, RVN
Head Veterinary Nurse
Vanesssa qualified as a veterinary nurse in April 2005 and is a Registered Veterinary Nurse. She worked for 6 months at a practice in Carlise before joining the team at Hawick Vets later that year. Vanessa has a special interest in companion animal nutrition and will be delighted to discuss any specialist feeding requirements for your pet. She enjoys nursing clinics especially ‘fit club’ to help pets achieve a healthy weight. She loves the opportunity to make a bond with our furry patients and their owners and is well known to many of our clients. She currently cares for her two pet dogs and cat.
Stacey Brown, RVN
Head Veterinary Nurse
Stacey completed her HND in veterinary nursing and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in August 2013. She joined Hawick Vets in October 2010 as a trainee vet nurse. She is enjoying meeting all our patients and enjoys running nursing clinics. You might also meet Stacey at our monthly puppy parties. Stacey is now a clinical coach and involved in the team training our student veterinary nurses.
Stacey has a cheeky Cockerpoo dog called Vinnie, who keeps her busy at home.
Sera Rowan
Veterinary Nursing Assistant
Sera has worked at Hawick Vets since 1999 as a veterinary nursing assistant. You may meet her helping the vets during consultations. Sera also assists with our in patients and looks after the ordering to ensure that we have all the supplies required daily. She has two dogs, a horse and a cheeky shetland pony to keep her busy after work.
Katy Mabon, RVN
Veterinary Nurse
Katy joined the practice in 2013 as a veterinary care assistant and gained her diploma from Northumberland college in 2014. She then worked at the practice as a student veterinary nurse before qualifying as a veterinary nurse in 2017. Many of you will have met her at puppy parties or discharging your pet after a stay with us. In addition to nursing our small animal patients she assists the vets with equine patients. She is a keen rider and experienced and competent handling horses having spent two years working at Richard Faheys yard. Katy enjoys assisting Sarah in her duties at the racecourse. She splits her week working at the practice and on the family farm attending their cattle and sheep.
Sarah Morrison, RVN
Veterinary Nurse
Sarah joined the practice in 2015 as a student veterinary nurse before completeing her HND and qualifying as registered veterinary nurse in August 2017. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary nursing but especially the challenges of critical care of hospitalised patients. She also helps nurse our equine patients and assists the vet on racecourse duty. Sarah is a keen rider and enjoys the common ridings. She has two black labradors at home and has a special soft spot for the breed.
Samantha Martin, RVN
Veterinary Nurse
Samantha joined the practice in 2016 as an Animal Nursing Assistant and gained her certificate at SRUC Barony Campus in 2017. She then carried on as a Student Veterinary Nurse before qualifying in 2019.
She enjoys all aspects of Veterinary Nursing but especially enjoys assisting in equine radiography. You will often find Samantha assisting at Kelso Races.
Samantha is a keen horse rider and her two horses keep her on her toes.”
Admin and Support Staff
Susan Johnstone
Receptionist
Susan joined us in October 2011 as our full time receptionist. She always has a smile on her face and a cheery greeting for our clients at the front desk and on the phone.
Michelle Richardson
Practice manager
Michelle joined us in 1995. She has an integral role within the practice dealing with accounts, health and safety and the day to day running of the practice, ensuring everything operates smoothly.
Ewan Simpson
Practice Administrator
Ewan qualified as a vet in 1989 and moved to the Borders to his first job in St Boswells. Since then he has mixed helping raise a family with locum work and rugby coaching. Ewans case load in now mainly HR and health and safety, however he still provides clinical back up during busy spells.
Hazel Elliot
Cleaner
Coming soon…
Cat Friendly Clinic
