History

Downes Veterinary Surgeons was established as ‘Downes & Partners’ by Jim Downes in 1972 when he opened the Leigh surgery at 932 London Road.  The Surgery quickly flourished and the Practice expanded with the opening of the Rayleigh surgery in 1982, followed by the addition of the Thorpe Bay surgery in 1984. Jim Downes continued as Senior Partner until his retirement in 1992. He, and his wife Janet, still live locally in Leigh and often pop into the Surgery to say hello.

When Jim Downes retired, Peter Hepworth then took over as Senior Partner until his retirement from the Practice in 2003. 

In January 2006, wanting to retain our links with the excellent reputation that Jim Downes had established in the town, but reflect the fact that he was no longer directly involved with the Practice, we changed the Practice name to Downes Veterinary Surgeons.

Each surgery is a self contained clinic with hospitalisation, diagnostic and surgical facilities on site although some of the more specialised equipment  is kept at one or other surgery where the veterinary surgeon most experienced in the discipline usually works.

The current Practice Partners are: 

Hugh Gilmore MVB MRCVS joined in 1984 Senior Partner

Carol Jones BVMS MRCVS joined in 1985

Margaret Daziano BVMS MRCVS joined in 1986

Oliver Smith BVM&S MRCVS joined in 1988

 

  

 

 

The Practice employs 10–12 veterinary surgeons across the 3 surgeries, depending on the time of year.

We are a veterinary nurse training practice and most of our nurses have come through the Practice, from kennel helpers whilst at school, into full time employment, through their formal training, and are now qualified veterinary nurses.

Our lay staff include a dedicated team of 13 receptionists, 3 office staff and 1 handyman.

In addition, in 2004, the Partners appointed their first Practice Manager, 

Judy Matthews, to oversee the day-to-day running of the Practice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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