The Wigmore staff...

Meet the Wigmore Veterinary Practice staff dedicated to looking after your pets in Medway, Gillingham, Rainham, Parkwood and the surrounding areas.

Andrew Rawlins MRCVS

It is frightening to realise it is about 20 years since I moved to Kent and started working in this practice. As soon as I qualified I realised I wanted to specialise in pets and have been happily doing that ever since. I still love both the science and the ‘art’ of veterinary medicine and especially challenging cases. The science of course is always progressing and the level of knowledge and care possible today is much more than it was. The ‘art’ is largely a result of intuition gained by experience and of course can not be taught very easily.

I believe in constantly trying to evolve our practice both in our veterinary skills and care as well as customer service and take pride in all our staff’s efforts in this. We are also trying to be at the forefront of progressing preventive care as of course, where possible, it’s better to stay healthy than get fixed after being sick!

Being a vet has also given me wonderful opportunities to work in different countries and also, now I am settled, to take some sabbatical times to indulge my other passions of travel and nature, especially the rich life of tropical rainforests.

 
Sylvester Kolodziejczyk MRCVS

I qualified in May 2002 and spent my first 2 years in a mixed practice in Yorkshire which I thoroughly enjoyed.  Since then I decided to specialise in small animal work.  I joined the team at Wigmore in May 2010  and have been made very welcome by my work colleagues and the Wigmore clientele and their pets.

I am enthusiastic about all aspects of small animal medicine and am particularly interested in small animal surgery.

Outside of work I enjoy travelling, DIY, reading and spending time with my family - my wife Eva, lovely daughter Lidia and cat Tosia.

 Sarah Sonley
Registered Veterinary Nurse

I always wanted to be a 'R.A.N.A' as Veterinary nurses were known way back then! I have worked at Wigmore since June 1987 as soon as I left school. My training took place at Berkshire College of Agriculture and I qualified in 1991.

I have seen the Practice grow and evolve throughout the years and feel our quality of care has achieved very high standards and I am proud to be part of it.

My passion is DENTISTRY. It proves so rewarding to see the pets improve after most dental procedures relieving them of the not-so obvious discomfort associated with dental problems. In 2005 I achieved the BSAVA Certificate in Dentistry.

My other area of interest is Laboratory work, particulary cytology and microscopy which I find extremely interesting and amazing! I am a bit of a CELL anorak !!

Anna Cairns
Registered Veterinary Nurse

I started working as a trainee Veterinary nurse in 1996. After qualifying in 2001, I moved closer to home and took the position as head nurse, where I became an assessor.  A lot of my time was taken up training, helping and supporting the nurses through their exams.

I moved to Wigmore Vets in 2003 as I really missed the nursing and unpredictability of everyday practice.  I gained my Certificate in Dentistry in 2006 and love the work we do here.  We are always encouraged to learn and use our qualifications to their limits. My nursing interests include diet management, preventative dental care and keeping the nursing standards within the practice at a high standard.

Outside work I enjoy walking my 9 year old Golden Retriever 'Ollie,' playing Netball for two different teams and in the past few years, learning to horse ride.  I also own two rescue cats named Charlie and Tadhg.

Joanne Hawkett
Registered Veterinary Nurse       
Feline Behavioural Consultant

I have been working in practice for nine years and qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2003.   I have been working here at Wigmore Veterinary Centre for four years and thoroughly enjoy it.

I am the practice's ‘mad cat woman’ and take a great interest in all things feline.   I am currently studying Feline psychology and my inspiration for this is my three wonderful cats, Iris (who I hand reared from birth), Trio (who I rescued as a kitten following a road traffic accident after she lost her leg) and last but not least Violet my beautiful British Shorthair who is very naughty but equally as lovable.

Caroline Sherwood
Registered Veterinary Nurse

I qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2004 but had previously worked in practice for 10 years.   I joined Wigmore vets in Sept 2005.   I really enjoy all aspects of veterinary nursing work and really enjoy the ‘hands on’ experience you get here at Wigmore.

When I finish my day at work, I enjoy chilling out with my own family, which consists of Drifter and Diablo my two horses and Noah my gorgeous handsome Border Terrier.

Chloe Burbidge
Registered Veterinary Nurse

After leaving school I began working as an auxiliary nurse at the Shrubbery veterinary practice, where I began my training to become a qualified nurse. I later Qualified in 2008 and shortly after began working here at Wigmore vets.

I have a horse named Reno who is an Anglo Arab, a Jack Russell named Lulu and a lazy cat named Gus Gus, a British Shorthair.

In my spare time I enjoy horse riding with my Jack Russell Lulu accompanying me on my rides. I also look forward to competing in ‘Western style’ competitions with Reno, spending time with my friends, many of which work here at the practise with me and not forgetting my partner Tom.

Sarah Tillman PHC
Registered Veterinary Nurse

Hi, I am one of the many Sarah's at Wigmore Veterinary Centre. I joined in April 2009 after qualifying as a RVN. Although I am no stranger to the Wigmore team as I helped out looking after the animals one evening a week & every Saturday on a voluntary basis whilst at school.

Since returning I have obtained my Pet Health Counsellor qualification for Royal Canin. I would like to put my knowledge to use by setting up a Senior Pet Club which will cover many subjects including mobility & weight control. If you would like to join or receive more information you can contact me direct via email sarahtillman@wigmorevets.co.uk

My family at home consists of Sophie my 12 year old Westie, 3 Guniea Pigs Dory, Nemo, Topaz and my gorgeous ginger cat called Hitch, he became a member of my family because he hitch hiked to Wigmore all the way from Tottenham and lastly but just as important my fiance Chris.

I look forward to meeting you.

Katrina Colby
Auxiliary Nurse

Having previously worked in a rescue cattery (Cats Protection) and boarding kennels, I joined Wigmore Veterianry Centre in June 2004, looking to gain more knowledge from a veterinary nurse point of view.

I spend the weekends riding my horse Tiggy and walking my dog Oddball.

Any spare time I have left is spent with my own ever growing menagrie of rescued wildlife! This can be handrearing baby hedgehogs and birds brought into the practice by the public. 

Sophie Taylor
Auxiliary Nurse 

 Hi my name is Sophie Taylor; I have been working at Eureka Veterinary Centre since July 2009 and am now a regular part of the team at Wigmore. I am a trainee Nurse; I absolutely love my job and enjoy learning something new each day. Before I started working at Eureka Veterinary Centre I completed a National Diploma in Animal Management at Canterbury College. During my time there I found Vet Nursing to be the subject I was most passionate about therefore deciding my future career.

 I have 2 pets of my own, Jack Russell Cross called Buster and a pet rat called Rita.

...in The Office

Martin R Andrews
Practice Manager

Retired as Head of Banking operations for the city and west end region of a high street bank, in 1999 after a 30 year career and took his first veterinary management role a year later, joining Wigmore Vets in 2004 after 3 years in another North Kent Practice. He now has responsibility for Eureka Vets as well.

Married with 2 children still at home, Martin was a school governor for 4 years becoming chair of governors of a primary school until accepting a voluntary role as treasurer of a local district of the Girl Guiding Association, giving support to his elder daughter, then a junior leader. 

Martin is an active keyboard player, and a keen DIY enthusiast. He regularly finds tasks to do both at home and at work specialising in machine maintenance that keeps him on the move rather than always desk bound in the office. Cars, barbeques and sampling the odd glass of wine completes his pastime at any time of the year! 

Two Shetland sheepdogs share the Andrews’ household, a breed that Martin has had for nearly 30 years so no time to sit around! 

Please email me on martin.andrews@wigmorevets.co.uk

Lisa Summerfield
Office Manager

Hi there I’m Lisa.  I have worked at the surgery as a receptionists since September 2003 but I have recently been promoted to Office Manager.  This is my first job working with animals as I previously worked in accountancy and I must say it is the best career move I could have made!   It can be great fun working here but of course there can be some sad times too.

Since working here I have completed and passed a Pet Nutrition Councillor course and have also obtained an NVQ Level 2 in Animal Care.

Aside from my mischievous daughter, my family includes Bailey my lively English springer spaniel and Sammy my tabby cat.

...and on Reception

Sarah Miller MCMI
Head receptionist

Hello my name is Sarah Miller and I am the head receptionist of Wigmore Veterinary Centre.  I started working for the practice in November 2002 and have seen it develop and grow into a thriving business.

On a personnel level I have become a member of the ‘Chartered Institute of Managers,’ many of the skills of which I can apply in my job.

I have been a client of the practice for more than 20 years and have a chocolate Labrador by the name of Bracken.  I also have two British Shorthaired cats named Thomas and George.

Please feel free to speak to me at any time if you have any any quieries or concerns. Otherwise I very much look forward in meeting you when you next visit the surgery. Email sarah.miller@wigmorevets.co.uk

Natalie Kemsley
Receptionist/Claims Administrator

My name is Natalie and I joined Wigmore Vets in November 2007 as part of the reception team. I enjoy my job working with my colleagues and the Wigmore clients.

I work on reception and I have also recently become Claims Administrator for the Practice, so if you have any questions feel free to contact me. 

At home I have a very naughty cat called Freddie. He used to be very nervous and was forever biting & scratching but since I put him on Zylkene he has become very lovable.

In my free time I enjoy clubbing and socialising with my friends, eating out, going to cinema, or if I've had a busy working week,  chilling at home with a take away and a nice glass of red wine.

I am a very approachable person with a ready smile, always laughing and joking, so if concerned about your loved ones I'm always here to listen and to give them a cuddle in the surgery. Look forward to seeing you.

For insurance queries you can email me on natalie.kemsley@wigmorevets.co.uk

Sarah Hatchett
Receptionist

Hi, I joined Wigmore in May 2008. I enjoy my duties as a receptionist and have grown to know  many of the clients and their pets.

I find my role to be socially fulfilling, interesting and like the fact that each day brings something new.

Outside of work I am known as 'mad mog!'  With my NINE cats, Siamese, Oriental & Bengal's

I am now Breeding & Showing my cats and spend many a Saturday travelling to shows. My 'babies' keep me very busy especially when there are new litters running around!

When I do get some free time I enjoy gardening, theatre and eating out.   

 I look forward to meeting you and your pet(s) and hope that I make you feel as welcome at Wigmore as I do.

Karen Milledge
Receptionist

Hi my name is Karen and I have been at Wigmore since May 2008. For some time now I have wanted to work with animals and after years of working in banking I think myself very lucky to have found this position, as I am thoroughly enjoying my job for the first time in my life.

My children have two gerbils and a hamster as pets, and I have two rabbits, a lttle boy called Oscar who is black and white, and a little girl called Sadie who is silver grey.   I don't think they were treated very well before I got them so they are getting lots of love and cuddles now.

Unfortunately my husband is allergic to fur and so I cannot have a cat or dog, but I come to work to get cuddles with all the wonderful patients that we have.

I am learning so much as a veterinary receptionist and coming to work is such a pleasure. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Suzi Williams
Receptionist

I have been at Wigmore since November 2010.  I have always wanted to work with animals but have never had the opportunity until now - I have always worked in finance/IT.  As a child I was always taking in waifs and strays and nursing them back to health, always supported by my mum!

I have two cats called Pickle and Meg who are 12 and do not get on!  Although they are brother and sister they have only been together 2 years and Meg is a bit of a grumpy bully!  We also have a Sirian hamster and some fish so with my three children (four including my husband) as well they keep me very busy!

In my free time I enjoy reading, cross stitching, roller skating and anything technical.  I'm always taking things apart & sorting out peoples computers.  I love my new job and am learning more and more every day and can't wait to meet you and your pets.