Veterinary nurses

Amanda joined the practice at the age of 15, after completing a two week course of work experience organised by her school. Her initial employment was cleaning kennels and assisting nurses each weekend. This gave her the opportunity of fulfilling her ambition to become a veterinary nurse by being offered a full time position after leaving school in 1982. In 1988 Amanda gained her veterinary nursing qualification and several years later gained promotion to deputy head nurse. In 2006 she became head nurse of the practice and in February 2010 she became clinical director of the practice. Amanda has a special interest in nutrition and obesity in animals and offers a free weight clinic for patients.

Claire has worked at the practice since January 1998. She qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2002 and became head nurse in 2009. Claire has a particular interest in surgical nursing. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family and jogging with her beloved Border Terrier, Arthur.

Gemma started working at Gourley in 2005 after many years of yearning to work with animals. She then went on to qualify as a registered veterinary nurse in April 2009. Her special interests at work are physiotherapy and all surgical aspects. Gemma spends any free time with her family and their lively dogs.

Lauren started working at the practice in July 2006 as a trainee nurse. Since then she has completed her training and in October 2009 became a registered veterinary nurse. Lauren loves all aspects of her job, but has particular interests in canine behaviour and puppy classes. Any time outside work is spent with her family and many pets. Lauren also enjoyed dancing before family life took over.

Lucy joined the Gourley Vets team in December 2012 as her passion and aim throughout life was always to work with animals. She trained with us as a student veterinary nurse, working in practice, studying and attending college. She qualified as an RVN in 2019. Any spare time Lucy has is spent with her family, friends and her many pets.

Lauren began her career at Gourley as a trainee veterinary nurse in April 2007, and qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in February 2012. In 2015 she became a clinical coach, whereby she teaches, supervises and is a mentor to trainee nurses. Lauren has a Boxer dog named Ruby, a Chihuahua named Chico, a cat named OJ and has recently acquired a Pomeranian named Rocky. In her spare time Lauren enjoys playing netball and going to the gym.

When she was 16 years old, Kealey began her career with us as a veterinary nursing assistant, and qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 2003. She left the team for a short period when she first became a mum, but re-joined in 2015 working part-time. Kealey loves working with all types of animals but is especially fond of rabbits, guinea pigs and our feline friends.

Helen started working at the practice in March 2007 and qualified as registered veterinary nurse in November 2010. Previous to her career at Gourley, Helen gained a degree in animal behaviour, which has always been a subject of special interest to her. At home she has several cats and two very lovable but mischievous dogs.

Jodie qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2017 and joined the team at Gourley in May 2018. She is a clinical coach, which means she is able to mentor student veterinary nurses who are undertaking exams and progressing through their veterinary career. Jodie loves every aspect of veterinary nursing. Away from work she loves spending time with her partner and family.

Hannah re-joined the team in November 2016 after working at other small animal practices within the Manchester area. She has always enjoyed working with animals. Hannah completed her student veterinary nurse training with us and became a qualified RVN in 2018.

Emma joined the team in November 2013, and finds her role interesting and varied as she gets to learn something new every day. Previous to working at Gourley, she gained a degree in wildlife conservation with a particular interest in ecology and animal behaviour. Emma has always had a keen interest working with animals as shown by volunteering at a pet rescue centre and also at Chester Zoo for several years. In her spare time she is kept busy by a stubborn and cheeky English Bull Terrier named Oliver and a loud and lively parrot named Polly.

Lisa started work at Gourley in 1986; she has worked for two generations of Gourley (father and son). She loves all aspects of her job but has a special interest in dentistry and is responsible for our dental suite. Away from work Lisa likes to keep fit by going to the gym and walking many miles with her Border Collie.

In the days of ‘youth training schemes’ (1989), Kay was offered a position at Gourley and since then she has earned the title of senior nursing assistant. Kay co-ordinates work experience for local high schools and organises interactive sessions and visits for local primary schools. Even after many years of working at the practice, Kay still loves the varied aspects of her role which she finds extremely interesting and rewarding. Outside of work she spends time with her family and various pets.

After volunteering at a RSPCA shelter when she was 16 years old, Rachel was keen to pursue her passion to work with animals. She joined Gourley in 1992 as part of the youth training scheme. Rachel particularly enjoys caring for the sick or injured hospitalised patients and interacting with the clients and their pets. In her spare time she enjoys DIY, gardening, genealogy and natural history. Rachel has developed a real love for hamsters since acquiring one a few years ago.

Amanda has worked at the practice since March 2010. She has several pets of her own, mainly Border Terriers, which are her favourite breed. Amanda enjoys all aspects of her role. She is our advocate for our practice preventative health scheme The Healthy Pet Club, promoting and explaining the scheme to clients. Her spare time is spent with her family and walking and showing her dogs and occasionally breeding them.

Cassie joined the team in September 2015 as a receptionist and has now progressed to become a Student Veterinary Nurse. She thoroughly enjoys any new challenge and says there is never a dull moment. She especially loves meeting all the animals every day. Cassie has been trained by the Blue Cross in pet bereavement support, meaning she's here for you in any difficult times you may have.

When not at work, Cassie loves long walks with her two Springer Spaniels, Betsy and Rio. She also volunteers as an assistant trainer at a local dog training club. Cassie is a big football fan, having held a season ticket at Bury FC from three years of age! Cassie is based at our Ashton surgery.