Posted on 18/05/2023

The Role

South Devon Veterinary Hospital & Referrals has an exciting opportunity for a Veterinary Ophthalmologist to join our team.

We are ideally looking for a Vet with plenty of experience and drive who would be keen to get involved in practice development, whilst providing superb patient and client care.

You will be an integral member of our small but passionate Ophthalmology team and will be working closely with our highly experienced Diplomat ECVO Ophthalmologist Jim Carter to deliver a first-class service. You will be aided in clinical expertise and surgical skills so that you will be able to manage the most difficult cases.

Confidence to shape your own caseload and offer guidance & development to other members of the clinical team, whilst working closely with the Practice Director to promote clinical best practice across all of our sites is desirable.

About Us

Our Referral Centre is located on the edge of Newton Abbot, Devon, in the beautiful village of Abbotskerswell. Abbotskerswell developed around the growing of apples for cider making, and having converted the Old Cider Works into our purpose-built Hospital and Referral Centre, we opened our doors in 2009. Perfectly placed between Dartmoor and the South Devon Coastline, it is ideal for long winter walks on the stunning moors or lazy days on sandy beaches.

The M5 Motorway is just minutes away from the practice, as is the train station, with direct trains to Exeter, Bristol, London, and into Cornwall.

The Practice

We accept referrals in Ophthalmology, Surgery, Orthopaedics, CT scanning, and Cardiology, and our highly experienced nursing team are on hand 24 hours a day for in-patient care. Alongside our referral service, we support a close-knit group of PSS-accredited First Opinion practices which have been established both independently and as part of a group for well over 30 years, with many of our original staff still being with us.

The practice is exceptionally well-equipped with a full range of surgical and specialist Ophthalmology equipment in a dedicated Ophthalmology theatre including slit lamps, AMO Whitestar Phaco, tonometers, operating microscope, Fundus camera, indirect Ophthalmoscopes, and high-resolution ocular ultrasound.

In addition to this, we have an onsite CT scanner, digital X-ray, a range of videoscopes & fibre bronchoscope, rigid endoscopes, laparoscopy & thoracoscopy equipment, multiple capnographs & multiparameter monitors & ultrasound.

About the Team and Culture

Our team of 8 Vets and one Diplomat are supported by 15 RVNs, 3 SVNs, 3 VCAs, and a fabulous reception team, all led by our hardworking Practice Managers & Practice Director who are on hand to support everyone. Our Nurses do daily consults and schedule 3 work. We also have a dedicated Surgical Nurse who is experienced in anaesthetic blocks and many of the nursing team are certificate holders with special interests.

Applicant Requirements

The ideal candidate will have;

A positive and confident outlook.

Resilience with an ability to stay focused, despite the odd setback and challenge.

A friendly and compassionate approach.

Excellent leadership skills.

Well-developed people skills and can recognise who needs what and when.

Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, or be eligible for membership.

A UK recognised veterinary qualification and clinical experience as a First Opinion Veterinary Surgeon.

We would be particularly keen to hear from you if you are an Advanced Practitioner or training towards that qualification.

Because our employees matter

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from:

Work-life balance

6.6 weeks annual leave inclusive of bank holidays

Your birthday as a paid day off

Well-being

Private medical insurance

Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay

Cycle to Work scheme

Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing

Non-accidental injury support

Development

Generous CPD allowance

Certificate Support

Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy

Access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider

All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding

All our Vets get GBP1000 per annum to spend via our Care Fund

Infection Prevention and Control Programme

Quality Improvement Programme

Professional Memberships

BVA membership

VDS cover

RCVS fees

Additional

GBP5000 relocation allowance

Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100's of retailers

Pension - 5% Employee/3% Employer

Discounted staff pet care

As a BAME and LGBTQ+ inclusive employer, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

IVC150

Any questions before applying?

Speak to Ciaran Connolly from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.

Ciaran Connolly

Talent Partner - Referral Vets

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