Congratulations to our latest Nettie winners

A HEAD nurse who played a key role in the recovery of a seriously ill Shih Tzu has been rewarded with a Nettie.

Colleagues at McGrath Vets in Tralee describe Katie Houlihan as the embodiment of VetPartners’ values of being supportive, respectful, working in collaboration and being dedicated and approachable.

The Shih Tzu was extremely ill with a ruptured bladder and a septic prostate, before developing severe septic peritonitis.

Clinical director Eugene McGrath said: “Despite the grave prognosis, Katie kicked into gear and went far and above her duties in his daily care. She came in, in the evenings, on her days off and at weekends to feed him as she was the only person that he wouldn’t bite.

“After a week of very little improvement and the prognosis looking grave, Katie insisted we keep going and, two weeks post-surgery, he started eating himself and went on to make a full recovery. Without Katie’s perseverance, determination and ability to work with the patient, he would not be with us today.”

Now Katie has been rewarded with a Nettie – one of eight winners of one of our September Nettie awards who all receive a £250 Love2Shop voucher, a certificate and a cuddly mascot.

Every month, we reward team members who have been nominated for a Nettie by a colleague for demonstrating our values.

With her patience, ability to keep calm under pressure and approachable manner, Georgina Gale, who works at Park Vets in Cardiff, sums up everything that’s awesome about our veterinary receptionists.

Park Vets office administrator Jade Emery said: “Georgina truly embodies the VetPartners values. She is an essential part of our Cardiff practice, handling an incredible volume of up to 150 calls a day with unwavering patience and professionalism.

“As the primary call handler for our busiest practice, she ensures that every client feels heard, supported, and valued. Her approachable manner and ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial in maintaining the high standard of care we aim to provide.

“What truly makes Georgina stand out is her infectious positivity. Whether she’s brightening up our day with her Friday dance or sharing a funny story, she brings so much joy to the office. Her humour and kindness foster a positive work environment, keeping morale high even during the most stressful periods.”

Nic Nuttall, a senior RVN at Arundell Vets in Doncaster, receives a Nettie for her heroics in helping to save a dog while she was out walking on her day off.

She heard a dog screaming in pain and, after going to investigate, found the pet had got its foot caught in the metal mechanism which the back seats of a car run on, and the owner couldn't get it out.

Nic calmed down the owner and dog, rang the practice and clinical director Christina Groves and head nurse Kerry rushed to the scene. After sedating the dog, they managed to free his foot.

Christina said: “Nic really went above and beyond, considering she wasn't even working that day, and the owner was so grateful that she was there with sensible advice and reassurance her until we arrived.”

Veterinary nurse Joanne Wood, who works at Palmer & Duncan Vets, has also been hailed a hero for rescuing a cat and her kitten.

A practice colleague on night shift was about to walk a patient and opened the door to find a taped box with a note attached saying there was a cat and a kitten inside. However, when she opened the box, there was nothing inside.

Joanne arrived at 7.20am and began searching the car park and thick bushes outside the practice. Fortunately, she spotted two frightened eyes. While a colleague went to get some food to tempt the cats, Joanne scrambled into the bushes and managed to scruff the mother cat with no thought to herself being bitten or scratched. She then found a terrified kitten buried deeper into the bush, and scrambled into the undergrowth and caught her.

Joanne has now been rewarded with a Nettie for demonstrating our values in a purr-fect ending to the rescue mission.

Do you know someone who deserves a Nettie? You can nominate them on MyVetPartners or by emailing recognition@vetpartners.co.uk 

Remember to include details of how they reflect our values of being supportive, respectful, working in collaboration and being dedicated and approachable.

September Nettie winners

Nic Nuttall – Senior RVN, Arundell Vets

Sally Dyer – Receptionist, Hampden Vets

Katie Houlihan – Head Nurse, McGrath Vets

Joanne Wood – Veterinary nurse, Palmer & Duncan

Georgina Gale – Junior admin, Park Vets

Lizzie Booth – Vet, Quarry Vets

Lorraine Colgan – Practice Manager, Rainbow Equine Hospital

Jorge Jimenez – VetPartners Spain central team