Meet Our Team

Chad Northcott

Veterinary Surgeon/Clinical Director

Chad qualified from the University of Liverpool in 1991. He worked with us in the early 1980s (when he was doing O Levels) and completed some of his extramural studies during his training. He joined the Practice soon after graduation and spent the first years looking after ‘all creatures great and small’ because, in those days, we were a mixed small, large animal, and equine practice.

He is an amazing all-around GP with special interests in medicine, imaging, soft tissue surgery, and oncology, and he still gets up every morning looking forward to work. As the Clinical Director, he is involved at a higher level in running the practice and looking after the needs of the Veterinary Surgeons. Outside work, he is a competitive Karate Black Belt and enjoys time with his family (including six children) and all of their activities. He also serves on the Board of one Charity and the Grants Committee of another and volunteers in the community on many occasions.

Gordon Gray

Veterinary Surgeon

Gordon is an experienced veterinary surgeon who qualified in 1992 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) from the University of Glasgow. After spending seven years working in mixed practice in Yorkshire, Gordon joined Vetcare in 2000, where he has since become a highly valued member of the team. Over the course of his career, he has gained extensive experience in small animal care, diagnostics, and surgery.

As a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS), he is committed to continuous professional development and staying at the forefront of advancements in veterinary medicine.

Outside of work, Gordon is an avid Manchester City fan and enjoys going to matches. Also has a great enthusiasm for video games and technology, with a long-standing interest in computers.

Helen Watson

Veterinary Surgeon

I studied veterinary science at Pretoria University, South Africa and qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 2001. Twenty three years later, and I still love my job and the privilege of looking after pets (and their people). My main interests are internal medicine and general surgery. Outside of work, I have two teenagers and a menagerie of much loved animals to keep me on my toes: Ewan, Emily, Lily the cocker spaniel, Bolt the chihuahua, Suzy the cat, and Bubbles the XXL fantail goldfish.

Michelle Cocklin

Veterinary Nurse Manger, Leigh

I have worked at Vetcare since leaving school, back when it was James, Maddrell, and Buxton, and I was employed on a YTS scheme. Years later, I enrolled to a Veterinary Nursing course and qualified in 1997.

I am now the Veterinary Nurse Manger for the Leigh branch. I am in the nurse rotation which is shared between the 6 nurses working reception and theatre work ,and I also have office time to do admin duties.

I live at home with my husband and 2 children and have a Belgian Malinios who is 5 years old. I enjoy walking with my dog, cooking, and listening to true crime podcasts.

Anna Coope

Student Veterinary Nurse, Leigh

I’m Anna. After dancing at the Moulin Rouge in Paris, I decided to change careers and pursue my passion for animal care. I’m now studying to become a veterinary nurse, combining my love for animals with a strong commitment to helping them. Outside of my studies, I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend, Olly, and our Cavapoo, Gus. I’m excited to be on this new journey and apply my skills in a meaningful way to improve the lives of animals.

Karly Brooks

Registered Veterinary Nurse, Leigh

My name is Karly. I’m a registered vet nurse with almost 4 years of experience dedicated to caring for our furry friends! When I’m not nursing, you’ll find me enjoying pub nights with friends or exploring new places and going on holidays with my beloved cocker spaniel, Nelly!

Gina Jones

Registered Veterinary Nurse, Leigh

I’ve worked at Vetcare all my working life as a veterinary nurse, through many practice name changes. I live with my husband and son and various dogs, mainly Spanish Galgos, all from a charity I volunteer for and support, 112 Carlota Galgos in Malaga; the others are pugs and anything that was in need of a home. We also have a cat. My other passion is my horses, which is a hobby from childhood that has continued.

Ella Adams

Registered Veterinary Nurse, Leigh

I’ve been qualified since Sept ’22, but been part of the Vetcare family since 2018. I manage to juggle my daily adventures like a pro. With two dogs, three cats plotting world dominationm and a pair of energetic kids, I am always kept on my toes. When I’m not at work, you will usually find me levelling up on my Xbox with the family, chilling out watching a film, or just trying not to step on any Lego bricks!

I am always happy to help and give advice where I can to give your pets the care they deserve.

Julie Fowler

Veterinary Nurse Manager, Bolton

Hi, my name is Julie. I’m the Veterinary Nurse Manager at Vetcare Bolton. I qualified at the PDSA in Liverpool in 1991 and have been a member of the Bolton team since 1993. In practice, I particularly enjoy all things dental and working alongside my lovely colleagues Rosanne and Sarah. Outside of work, I enjoy spending precious time with family and friends and my two gorgeous moggies, Molly and Maisy.

Sarah Stott

Registered Veterinary Nurse, Bolton

Hi, my name is Sarah, and I work at Vetcare in Bolton. I qualified in 2010 as a Registered Veterinary Nurse. I completed my qualifications at Vetcare in Leigh as an apprentice. I love working in theatre, and I absolutely love being a part of this amazing team and caring for many fur babies every day. I live with my 3 cats, Teddy, Jazz, and Smudge. I enjoy walking and spending time with my family and fur babies.

Jane France

Veterinary Nurse Manager, Hindley

I have worked at Vetcare for 34 years, firstly at Leigh before becoming head nurse at the Hindley branch in 2022. I enjoy going out for meals with my family, going to live music gigs, and walking my rescue Galga called Layana.

Bethany Brown

Registered Veterinary Nurse, Hindley

I’ve loved animals for as long as I can remember, which is why I’m in this job! My favourite part of being a Veterinary Nurse is getting to spend all day with people’s pets, looking after them as if they were my own.

There’s something so rewarding about seeing a pet enter our practice so poorly, getting to look after them, and then seeing them go home with their families all smiles. It’s such a lovely feeling!

Vicky Lucas

Receptionist, Leigh

Hi I’m Vicky, your friendly afternoon/evening receptionist. I have been part of the Vetcare family since 2020 and I absolutely love meeting new clients, catching up with regular clients, and treating your dogs to a biscuit or two!

When I’m not answering the telephones and welcoming you into the surgery with a smile, you will find me enjoying leisurely walks with my adorable Giant Schnauzer, Jurgen, or behind the lens of my camera photographing your beloved pets, capturing all of their cheeky antics.

Nina Carta

Receptionist, Leigh

My name is Nina, and I have been a Client Care Manager at Vetcare since 2013. I am passionate about supporting our clients and their pets. I take pride in the services we offer, particularly around bereavement care. I feel privileged to work alongside an amazing team so dedicated to animal care. I have two children and Zeb, my senior Staffie cross breed. In my spare time, I enjoy family outings and nature walks.

Rosanne Maher

Receptionist, Bolton

Hi, I’m Rosanne. I am a client care manager at Vetcare Bolton, and I adore my job, the clients, and all of the pets they bring in with them.

I worked in veterinary practice from the tender age of 18, and I originally worked here at Tonge Moor Road Surgery when it was Messrs Greer Holt and James. In my earlier years, I worked as a vet nurse here and then at another Bolton Practice before returning here purely on the client care side. I have three beautiful house cats and one adorable Golden retriever named Dolly Daydream (she suits her name). In my own time, I love spending time with my family, including little Grandchildren, going out for meals, and spending time with friends. Vetcare is a lovely place to work. The team here at Bolton is all long-serving and experienced, and we are all great friends and colleagues. We are like family, and we work extremely well together, all with the same focus on pet and client care.

I look forward to seeing you!

Pam

Receptionist, Hindley

I’m the receptionist at Vetcare, Hindley. I live with my partner and our four cats: Richey, Ted, Flo, and Bernard. In my spare time, I mainly enjoy being a hermit whilst listening to music, cooking, or reading radical feminist literature with either a rum or a cup of tea. I’m a huge fan of charity shopping for strange bits and bobs to clutter up our home, and I also enjoy starting multiple DIY projects that I will never finish.

Janet Rowland

Receptionist Leigh

Janet is a dedicated member of our veterinary team who genuinely enjoys helping animals and their owners. When she’s not caring for your pets, Janet loves taking long walks with her little dog, Bailey, and spending quality time with her husband. She cherishes her moments with her grandchildren, often socializing and making lasting memories with them. Janet also has a passion for travel, particularly enjoying cruises, where she can unwind and explore new destinations. With her warm, friendly demeanour and love for animals, Janet is an invaluable part of our team.

Daniel Phillips

Maintenance Supervisor

Hi, I am Danny, the maintenance supervisor for Vetcare, My main focus is to maintain our practices on a daily basis, ensuring the upkeep and safety for our clients and staff. Before Vetcare, I worked in schools for the past 8 years, where I ensured the schools were well-maintained and fully functional. Outside of work, I dedicate all my spare time to my two Son’s football teams, where I am their coach and manager. I love being able to teach them and their teammates my love and knowledge of football, and this is something I am very passionate about.

Janice Wilson

Practice Cleaner

Hi, I’m Janice. I’ve worked at Vetcare as the Practice Cleaner for almost two years. My job entails keeping the practice clean. Although I don’t have letters behind my name, I have a wealth of life experience, which I hope to bring to the job. Outside of work, I enjoy being with family and friends.

Tracy Oakes

Practice Manager

Tracy started work at Vetcare in 1988 as an Office Junior/Receptionist, and her current role, which has been for many years now, is that of Practice Manager. She has accountancy and management qualifications and an interest in marketing, which helped her to manage our three-site veterinary practice alongside her business partner/Clinical Director and extended management team. Tracy looks after the nurses, receptionists, and other support staff and deals with all financial matters for the business.

When she isn’t at work, Tracy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, eating out, walking her crazy but loveable Dachshund (Jack), spending time in the Lake District, reading, and Pilates. She also has two elderly dogs, Millie the Papillion (pictured) and Darcy the Chihuahua, who are in their twilight years and prefer a potter in the garden and a nice comfy sofa.

Shellie Povie

Practice Administrator

I initially started work at Vetcare Bolton and moved to our Leigh surgery in 2004, when I started a new role as a Practice Administrator. I enjoy my job as I get to work on different projects and my day-to-day administrative duties, and I love everyone I work with. I live with my partner, two children, and a crazy Parsons Russell Terrier who keeps us all on our toes. When I’m not being a football mum, I enjoy long walks (especially those involving pub detours), music, wine, and family days out.