York-based VetPartners announces addition of first Guernsey practice

Guernsey’s oldest veterinary practice is looking forward to an exciting, new chapter in its 104-year history after joining York-based veterinary group, VetPartners.

Isabelle Vets, which has been looking after Guernsey’s pets, farm animals and horses since 1919, is the first veterinary practice on the island to join VetPartners, which has its headquarters in Clifton Moor, York.

Some of Europe’s most respected and trusted small animal, equine, mixed and farm practices and animal healthcare companies are part of VetPartners, which was established by vets in 2015 and has 11,000 employees working across 700 sites.

Led by vets, VetPartners was established by CEO Jo Malone with three practices in the North of England, including Minster Vets in York, where she was previously a vet and director.

Speaking about the latest acquisition of Isabelle Vets, Jo said: “We are excited to welcome our new colleagues from Isabelle Vets. They are a highly respected practice and are rightly proud of their reputation for providing outstanding care for the animals of Guernsey.

“We will support them to continue to deliver the best possible care for their patients and an excellent service for their clients, as well as being a great place to work.”

While Isabelle Vets’ long-serving clients will still be able to see all the same familiar faces at their main practice in Route Isabelle in St Peter Port and branch surgery in L’Islet in St Sampsons, the practice is excited about fresh opportunities for investment, career development for colleagues and expansion of facilities that will come with being part of a larger veterinary group.

Isabelle Vets directors Doreen Munn-Litten and Sarah-Jane Heathcote have run the practice in joint partnership for the last three years. Doreen, a surgeon, graduated from Glasgow University in 1995, and holds a Certificate in Small Animal Surgery. She has been a director of the practice since 2012.

Doreen said: “What makes Isabelle Vets so special is that we are the longest established practice in Guernsey and generations of islanders have used our services so everyone feels we are a big part of the community.

“Having provided more than 100 years of service for the animals of Guernsey, it is important to us that we continue to progress for future generations with the practice in safe hands. We look after all the dairy herds on the island, most of the horses and many small animals, and partnering with a larger veterinary group will provide huge benefits.”

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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