Medivet 24 Hour Southend

Oliver Duprey

Partner and Veterinary Surgeon

Oliver has been a Branch Partner at Southend since 2015. He has a certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in Internal Medicine, as well as a certificate in Cardiology. He runs the hospital-side of the practice and loves anything to do with internal medicine! He has two cats, two budgies and a giant land snail called Neal (so named as it is how his youngest daughter pronounces snail!) Outside of work Oliver spends the majority of his time with his family or with his other love; rock-climbing. He has climbed rocks around the world and even has a climbing wall in his house, which he uses as a training aid between trips!

BVetMed (hons) BSc (hons) CertAVP (SAM) MRCVS

Sami Da Costa Argent

Partner and Veterinary Surgeon

Sami qualified from the University of Glasgow Vet School in July 2015 and joined our Medivet Southend team in 2019. She is particularly interested in soft tissue surgery and ophthalmology, and is currently completing her ophthalmology certificate. Sami became branch partner in June 2022. In her spare time Sami enjoys playing hockey and is in the Old Southendian Hockey Club Ladies first team! When not playing Hockey Sami can be found in the gym or spending time with her ever-expanding family, including her English Bulldog, Lola, whom she adores.

BVMS MRCVS

Roland Iliuta

Veterinary Surgeon

Roland started with Medivet in 2019. He qualified in 2018 at the University of Cluj-Napoca in Romania, where he grew up. Roland has a high interest in internal medicine; in which he is now completing a certificate for. He used to own a Cocker Spaniel named Tommy who lived to the grand old age of 14. Outside of work these days Roland's hobbies include reading and swimming,and he also takes great pleasure in discovering different cultures and understanding their ways of life.

MRCVS

Carmen Darias

Night Veterinary Surgeon

Carmen joined Medivet in 2015, initially working days at Southend, before moving onto nights. She obtained a certificate in Opthalmology in June 2018 and is currently doing her Emergency and Critical Care certificate. Carmen originates from the Canary Islands and outside of work enjoys reading, going to the gym, playing guitar and swimming. At home she has three cats, Stevie, Gary and Karen, and an incredibly naughty sausage dog named Bruno. Randomly, Carmen's favourite animals are Jersey Cows!

MRCVS

Ines Fontes

Night Veterinary Surgeon

Ines qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 2014 at the UTAD in Portugal. She started Medivet in 2017 as a mobile vet, before becoming permanent at the Chelmsford branch. Ines joined us here at Southend in April 2021; originally as one of our day vets, before moving on to nights. Ines has 3 cats at home; Amelie (Cornish Rex), Chico (DSH) and Gandalf (Persian Cross). When she is not at work Ines enjoys walking out in nature.

MRCVS

Jessica Lindridge

Veterinary Surgeon

Jess graduated from Nottingham Vet School in 2018. She joined Medivet in 2022, originally starting at the Thorpe Bay branch before moving over to us. Jess enjoys working in all areas of the veterinary hospital, however has a particular interest in surgery and dental procedures. Jess has a crazy whippet called John, who keeps her busy outside of work. When she can, she enjoys going on holidays to ski and scuba dive!

MRCVS

Alexandra Costin

Veterinary Surgeon

Alexa joined Medivet in January 2022, not too long after became permanent here at Southend. Alexa qualified in July 2021 at the University of Cluj-Napoca in Romania. She has a particular interest in surgery and neurology. Back in Romania Alexa has a tabby cat called Kitty. In her spare time she enjoys travelling; especially to the seaside, as well as reading and drawing.

MRCVS

Marek Drozdzynski

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Marek has been a part of Medivet for quite a few years; working at other practices such as Hendon, Enfield and Alder. He joined us at Southend in September 2022. He qualified as a Veterinary Surgeon in Warsaw, Poland in 2007. Marek is taking part in 3 certificates, these include surgery, endoscopy and endosurgery, and VR in endosurgery. He has a particular interest in orthopaedic and key hole surgery. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling and hiking. Marek has a variety of animals at home, which include a cat, chickens and fish.

MRCVS

Arnold Hegedus

Night Veterinary Surgeon

Arnold qualified as a Veterinary Surgeon in 2018 at the University of Cluj-Napoca in Romania. He joined Medivet in 2019; originally working at our Canvey branch, before joining us here at Southend in 2022, to become one of our night vets. He has a keen interest in surgical procedures; and is actually completing a further certificate in surgery. In Arnold's spare time he enjoys hiking, travelling, mountain biking and practising yoga. Arnold is following in his father's footsteps of being a professional painter; painting in oils and acrylics. Back home in Transylvania, Arnold has a cat called Cirmi.

MRCVS

Sonia Bento Duarte

Veterinary Surgeon

Sonia graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Lisbon University in 2017. She joined Medivet in 2018, staying for two years before heading off to try something new. Sonia returned to us in 2023. Sonia has an interest in cardiology and abdominal ultrasounds. She is currently doing a certificate in cardiology. In her spare time Sonia enjoys reading, playing video games and going to the gym. She has two fluffy cats at home, Panda and Tarantula.

Jorge Rosa

Veterinary Surgeon

Jorge graduated in 2015 at the University of Murcia, Spain. He joined us at Southend in 2023; having worked at Grove Referrals and Fitzpatrick Soft Tissue and Oncology prior, where he was involved in their internship programmes. He has also worked at Medivet in Norwich, where he worked for 2 years. Jorge has a particular interest in surgery, specifically soft tissue and oncologic surgery. He wishes to take part in a certificate soon. Outside of work Jorge enjoys indoor climbing. At home in Spain, he has three dogs - two dachshunds and one greyhound, as well as two tortoises.

Carrie Apps

Head Veterinary Nurse

Carrie qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2008 and has been our Head Nurse here since 2014. Since qualifying she has gained Advanced Nursing Certificates in Internal Medicine, Emergency and Critical Care and Exotic Animal Nursing. She enjoys studying outside of work to ensure she can provide the best care to our patients. When she's not studying Carrie enjoys DIY and gardening, spending time with her colony of rabbits and caring for her cat Pam whom some might remember to be our old practice cat!

RVN A1 CertVNEx Grad DipVNC SQP

Lauren Julings

Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse and Lead Imaging Nurse

Lauren has worked at Medivet since 2015, originally at the Chafford Hundred branch before joining Southend in 2019. Lauren also qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2019. Her interest in imaging started at Chafford whilst working for an orthopaedic surgeon; which then encouraged her to take the next step and become the CT nurse here. In October 2021, Lauren became the deputy head nurse of Southend. At home she has two small dogs; both cross-breeds, named after players from her beloved Tottenham Hotspurs. Outside of work Lauren enjoys exploring different parts of the UK in her camper van - hopefully venturing to Europe in it one day.

Danielle Fitzpatrick

Night Veterinary Nurse

Danielle joined Medivet in 2017 as one of our designated night nurses. She qualified in 2016 after three years training at the College of Animal Welfare. At home she has two Chihuahuas and two cats, Freddie and Lady Penelope. Freddie is her latest hand rear and she couldn't bear to part with him. She has hand-reared over thirty kittens and it gives her great joy. Outside of work Danielle loves going out for dinner and to the theatre.

Charlotte Van Dyck

Night Veterinary Nurse

Charlotte started her Medivet career in 2017 as a mobile Patient Care Assistant before becoming a permanent fixture at Southend in 2018, where she has commenced her training. Charlotte qualified as a veterinary nurse in July 2021, and since has moved on to the night team. Throughout her nursing career she has found a particular interest in emergency and critical care. Charlotte already holds a Diploma in Animal Management which she studied at Writtle College. At home she has two dogs, a corn snake and a horse. Outside of work she spends a lot of time either down the stables, reading or socialising with her friends.

Elinor Brennan

Lead Theatre Veterinary Nurse

Ellie joined Medivet in 2017 as a Patient Care Assistant. Ellie Qualified as a veterinary nurse in December 2021. She is our Lead Theatre Nurse here at Southend. She is also a member of the association of anaesthetists. Prior to this Ellie studied for a level 3 diploma in Animal Management which she achieved in 2015. She has also completed a diploma in Animal Crystal Healing in 2020 which one day hopes to put in to practice. At home she has 2 French Bulldogs called Ronnie & Olive, a Leopard Gecko, 3 cats called Peach, Kiwi and Fig, and 6 guinea pigs that were adopted from the practice and are all named after Harry Potter Ellie enjoys travelling, yoga and is a bookworm on her time off.

Abbi Brown

Night Veterinary Nurse

Abbi joined Medivet in 2018 and begun as a floating Patient Care Assistant, before joining the Southend team full-time. In 2022 Abbi became part of one of the night teams. Abbi qualified as Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2024. At home she has two dogs; a Miniature Schnauzer named Maggie and a Daschund called Ivy, and a rabbit called Wobble. Wobble was re-homed from here at Southend; She is a one of a kind rabbit. In her spare time Abbi enjoys going on holiday, watching Netflix series and socialising with her friends.

Matt Melaragni

Patient Care Assistant

Matt joined the team in 2016 and has a National Certificate and a First Diploma in Animal Care. He is very family orientated and enjoys spending time with his nephew. Matt also enjoys going to car shows and one day dreams of owning an American muscle car! He would definitely say that he is a dog person, although he used to own two bunny rabbits!

Charlotte Tooley

Veterinary Nurse

Charlotte (aka. Tooley) started Medivet as a Patient Care Assistant in August 2016; she qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in December 2020. Her favourite part of being a nurse is looking after hospital inpatients, especially those that require critical care. At home Tooley has her beloved Italian Spinone 'Flora', who fills her life with laughter, mud and beardy kisses. In her spare time she loves swimming in the sea, crocheting, and taking care of her ever-increasing brood of houseplants.

Beverly Sutton

Veterinary Nurse

Beverly joined Medivet in 2019, after spending a short time as a floating member of staff, she became permanent here in 2020. Beverly qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2024. Beverly also has a BSc (hon) in Animal Management. At home she has a ginger and white cat called Simba who she rescued through the practice in March 2020. Beverly has lots of small children in her family, so likes to spend a great deal of time with them going on nature walks. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as a fondness of reading and baking.

Rosie Sepple

Imaging Veterinary Nurse

Rosie joined Medivet in September 2017 as a floater. She has worked as various branches over the last few years; but is now delighted to be one of the imaging nurses at Southend. Rosie qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in November 2022. Rosie has a staffy called Lexi, who she rescued; she is what inspired Rosie to begin her career in nursing. As well as two more dogs, Zeus and Lola. Outside of work Rosie enjoys weightlifting, and baking tasty vegan treats.

Becky Mason

Kennel Assistant

Becky joined Medivet in July 2021 as a kennel assistant at the Southend practice. She has a level 3 degree in Animal Management and a BSc(Hons) Animal behaviour and training degree which she gained in August 2020. Becky does not currently have any pets but really hopes to get one soon. When not at work she enjoys playing online games with friends and watching Netflix. Becky is a new plant mum and at the minute her favourite one is the spider plant.

Taz Horner

Night Patient Care Assistant

Taz started here at Southend in January 2022. Taz has studied for Level 3 Animal Management extended diploma, in which she achieved a Triple D* qualification. At a total of 20 animals at home it is quite clear Taz is in the right job. Her animals include a cat called Astrid, 5 rabbits and an array of reptiles and invertebrates. Due to having so many animals; caring for these takes up a lot of Taz's time. When she does have some time for herself, Taz loves going on nature walks; as she enjoys the scenery and tranquillity of it all. Or she ends up going shopping and buying more things for all her animals.

Amy Gaitens

Night Veterinary Nurse

Amy joined us here at Medivet Southend in 2022. She studied to be a Registered Veterinary Nurse in the College of West Anglia, where she qualified at the end of 2022. Her favourite part of the job is seeing sick animals recover and go back home to their families. Outside of work, Amy enjoys walking and cycling with her dogs. Amy has 3 dogs and a parrot at home. One of the dogs she rescued from here.

Sarah Jay

Veterinary Nurse

Sarah joined Medivet in 2016 as a floating patient care assistant, she done this for a year before becoming permanent at our Hockley branch. She then came over to us in December 2022. Sarah qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in January 2021. Sarah likes all aspects of the job and all the diverse roles we fulfil as a nurse; she treats every animal as if they were her own – especially the fluffy cats. Outside of work Sarah is a mum of 2 little ones; but when she gets some 'me time' she enjoys running and going to the gym. She also loves baking sweet treats! At home, Sarah has 2 ragdoll cats, called Bertie and Binka.

Gemma Sorrell-Gibbins

Theatre Veterinary Nurse

Gemma qualified as a veterinary nurse in July 2021; studying at Writtle University College. She joined us here at Southend in January 2022. Gemma's main interest in the veterinary world is theatre and surgical nursing; in which she would love to do her Schedule 3 training, to do minor operations. In the future she plans to do an Anaesthetic certificate. At home Gemma has two beautiful cats, which she adopted through her previous practice. In her spare time, Gemma enjoys pole fitness and going to the gym; or hanging out with her cats.

Chloe Wheatley

Lead Medical Veterinary Nurse

Chloe joined Medivet Southend in August 2022. She studied at Nottingham Trent University; in which she achieved a Bsc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing. Chloe will soon be taking part in an Emergency and Critical Care certificate. Hospital is where Chloe's main interest is focused; although she does enjoy learning the imaging side of nursing. Outside of work Chloe enjoys swimming, walking, shopping and going to the cinema. At home she has 3 black cats: Tarzan, Kiki and Rocky, as well as a musk turtle called Hugo.

Danielle Robarts

Theatre Veterinary Nurse

Danielle started here at Southend in January 2023. She qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2021 at Maldon Vets4Pets. She is not currently taking part in any certificates, but hopes to one day carry out further training in hydro and physiotherapy; as she would like to help orthopaedic patients throughout their rehabilitation. Danielle's favourite interest of the job is surgery, particularly orthopaedics. Outside of work Danielle enjoys running; mainly marathons. She has taken part in ultra marathons in Malta and Dominica. She also enjoys seeing her friends, or reading a good book. Danielle use to have a golden retriever called Toffee; but currently does not have any pets. She hopes to one day get a dog to join her family.

AJ Watt

Night Patient Care Assistant.

AJ joined Medivet Southend in March 2022, she hopes to become a student and go to college. AJ's favourite part of the job is that every day is different. She finds she is constantly faced with challenges that will one day help her become a better nurse. In her spare time, AJ enjoys playing the piano; she has played it since a very young age and still practices. She also likes gaming, reading and crocheting. At home AJ has 2 cats Roxy and Winnie. Winnie was actually a stray that came from here. She also has 2 naughty ponies, called Trigger and Beau.

Amy-Lee Stevens

Student Veterinary Nurse

Amy joined Medivet in March 2022 as a permanent Patient Care Assistant here at Southend. She has a level 3 BTEC in Animal Management. Amy would like to be a Registered Veterinary Nurse; this is something she is going to study and work towards. At home she has a labrador called Cooper. Amy finds she is a slight bibliophile; the first book she ever really enjoyed was Harry Potter by J.K.Rowling.

Casey Slater

Student Veterinary Nurse

Casey has been with Medivet since 2018, originally a floating nurse before coming permanent at Southend in 2022. Casey will hopefully finish her studying to become a Registered Veterinary Nurse by 2025/2026. Before joining Medivet, Casey completed her level 2 certificate in Animal Management. Her main interest in Veterinary is being a hospital ward nurse and equine nursing. At home Casey has a tortoise shell cat called Fleur, and a white boxer called Bo Bo. When not at work you can find Casey horse-riding. She use to teach children basic horse care at her previous work.

Faye Evans

Kennel Assistant

Faye started with us here at Southend in January 2022. Before joining Medivet, Faye completed her level 2 certificate in Animal Care and a level 3 certificate in Animal Management at Writtle College. At home she has two dogs; a labrador called Hudson and a Spanish rescue dog called Boo. Outside of work, Faye enjoys horse riding, exploring nature, reading and gaming.

Georgia Tyler

Night Patient Care Assistant

Georgia joined Medivet in August 2023 as a Patient Care Assistant for one of our night teams. She has previously completed a Level 3 course in Animal management at college. Georgia enjoys the emergency aspect of her job; as well as spending time with the inpatients on her night shifts! When Georgia is not at work, you'll find her enjoying a variety of things; this includes exploring new places, shopping, baking and cooking, doing diamond paintings, watching horror movies, and spending time with her friends and family. At home she has a cat called Smudge.

Holly Cooke

Patient Care Assistant

Holly joined Medivet Southend in 2023. She had previously finished her studies at Greensward Academy Sixth Form, where she achieved A levels in Chemistry, Biology and Psychology. Holly enjoys learning about science, both biological and behavioural. Hollys favourite part of the job is meeting new and varied patients that come in, and learning about their diagnosis and treatment plans. She feels she learns something new everyday. Outside of work Holly enjoys going to the gym, listening to music, baking, driving, and spending time with her house rabbit called Fudge - he loves cuddles and treats.

Lisa Pethurst

Practice Manager

Lisa is a long standing team member here at Medivet, having worked here since 2009. Originally our head client care assistant; before becoming our practice manager in October 2021. She holds a BA(Hons) degree in Industrial Design, and combines her art with her passion for animals; which can be seen in her beautiful paintings displayed in our reception. When Lisa is not working, she cares for a variety of animals at home with her husband. They have two rescue cats and a number of tortoises; and also rescue Dogue de Bordeaux's.

Sarah England

Client Care Assistant

Sarah has worked for Medivet Southend since 2015 and is so passionate about her role. She adores interacting with the patients and their humans; making sure they are as comfortable and happy as they can be in our clinic. Her main interest in the veterinary world is studying to become a Registered Veterinary Receptionist. She prides herself on becoming the best for our clients. Sarah does not have any pets at home now, but she does cater for wildlife and insects by making her garden super wildlife friendly. She is also a very good human companion to our practice cat Gary; who she absolutely adores. In her spare time Sarah enjoys gardening and reading the most. She also loves a good movie.

Janice Lennox

Client Care Assistant

Janice joined Medivet in 2007. Prior to this Janice worked as a receptionist at the Blue Cross Animal Hospital in London. She also has achieved an Animal Care qualification from Writtle college. At home Janice has five rescue cats and a golden retriever named Lottie. Unsurprisingly Janice's favourite animals are cats, closely followed by koalas and giraffes. When not at work Janice loves attending quiz nights and travelling the world!

Simone Brandon

Client Care Assistant

Simone is one of Medivet Southend's longest employees having worked here since 2010! She loves that no two days are the same here at the practice and is very proud of the standard of care we provide. At home Simone has two cats, Ronnie and Yoshi, whom are both full of their own individual character. Spending time with the cats, her two children and her husband is her favourite way to unwind after a long day!

Sarah Dundson

Client Care Assistant

Sarah joined the team in January 2020. She owns two cats named Timmy and Winston, and two rabbits called Milo and Wilbur. Outside of work Sarah spends most of her time dedicating herself to her children's hobbies! Sarah also loves to travel when she gets a chance and has backpacked around South East Asia, New Zealand and Australia!

Gary

Practice cat

Gary joined Medivet in 2017. Initially he lived in the car park and was not a fan of humans. However, with a lot of time, love and patience, we won Gary over. He is now normally found fast asleep behind the reception desk. He was named after our NVS driver. Gary loves his food; as you can probably tell, but he is on a strict low fat diet. Gary does like affection, but only on his terms. Despite this he is a practice favourite with both the staff and clients.

Shannon Willis

Client Care Assistant

Shannon joined Medivet in 2017, not having any veterinary experience prior. She joined us here at Southend in 2023. Shannon's favourite part of the job is spending each day with her lovely reception team and Gary (even though he isn't fond of her). Helping clients in any way she can is Shannon's main aim; whether that be greeting them at their first appointment, or saying goodbye at their last. Outside of work Shannon loves going to festivals, gardening, going on holiday to Turkey, theatre trips and anything to do with the 80s. Shannon has 6 cats at home, some of which were re-homed from Medivet as they came in as strays.

Emma Webster

Client Care Assistant

Emma joined Medivet in 2022 after working fir Vets4Pets for a year as a Client Care Assistant. She also has 15 years customer service experience under her belt; as she has worked for various retail companies, this includes being an Assistant Manager. Outside of work, when she has 5 minutes to herself; Emma enjoys reading, although she has 2 young children so feels this does not happen often. Emma currently does not have any pets at home, but plans to in a few years time when her children are a bit older.

Andrea Downs

Regional Debt Administrator

Andrea entered the veterinary profession over 40 years ago as a trainee veterinary nurse. She spent most of her career at the Downes practices and was Head Nurse at the Rayleigh branch. After some time, Andrea chose to have a change of career and took on an administrative role in the West End of London. After the birth of her twins, she was invited back to Downes in a part-time administrative position, an opportunity she jumped at and has remained in for the last 25 years. A lot has changed over the years, but Andrea is still proud to be working alongside a great team in a caring, yet often challenging, industry. Outside of work she enjoys horse riding and badminton.