Client Care Team

Ian Wolstenholme - Practice Manager

Ian (or Wol as he is sometimes known) is in a minority in the practice, having no clinical background but more than thirty years business and retail customer care experience. His role is certainly varied and no two minutes are ever the same. Administration is absolutely essential in the smooth running of the practice. The best staff in the world are no use at all if in the wrong place at the wrong time and unpaid! Outside of work Ian is an organist and broadcaster and has played the mighty Wurlitzer in Blackpool Tower – once almost accidentally destroying it! He is married and lives locally with three sons and a Border Terrier called Toro.

Angela Thompson - Receptionist

Angela has been with the practice for several years and is well-known by most of our clients who know her as a friend. She has a wealth of experience dealing with clients and their pets and can usually help with most problems that come in through the door or over our busy phone lines.  Angela has a parsonrussell terrier called Chalky and two cats called Sassy and Sphynx

Lynn Russell - Evening & Weekend Receptionist

Lynn has been with the practice since 2009 and can be seen assisting clients during evenings and at the weekend. Lynn is pictured with her cat Smudge.

Jill McConnell – Evening Receptionist (Uppermill)

Jill is based at our Uppermill branch surgery during afternoon surgery and is well-known by many of our clients, having been a part of the practice since it opened over ten years ago. Rommell is the latest in a long line of German Shepherd dogs in the McConnell family. 

All our reception staff do their best to connect you with the member of staff that you wish to speak with, but please remember that much of the work that vets and nurses do cannot be interrupted. As you leave the building, it is reception who will make your next appointment and sort all financial transactions. They also usually like to hear how your pet has got on in the consulting room. They may even have a treat for him or her, if allowed!  All our receptionists have been asked almost every question imaginable over the years and will definitely be able to give sound advice and/or direct you to the most suitable person, so please don’t ever underestimate their skills or think of them as “just a receptionist” - they are very much at the front of all our client care!