He lives minutes from the surgery with his wife, their dog Piper and Miffy the tortoise. They have three children, the two eldest are now qualified doctors and his youngest works in Marketing. He enjoys rugby and has played at Hitchin Rugby Club for 25 years. In an ambitious project with much of the work carried out by Stuart himself, a former barn at St Ibbs farm, London road, Hitchin has been transformed into his new, state-of-the-art veterinary practice.  

 

It provides a spacious and modern working environment for Stuart and his team and luxurious accommodation for patients and their owners. It also offers some of the most advanced veterinary equipment, including a high power X-ray machine; a dental radiography machine, video otoscopy and computerised ECG and blood pressure monitoring, full operating and hospitalisation facilities and an in-house lab.  

 

Hitchin Veterinary Surgery at St Ibbs farm is minutes from the centre of Hitchin, is easily accessible and offers plentiful parking. Stuart says: “I’m excited about opening my own practice in the town where I have spent so much of my career and built so many long-lasting relationships with local pet owner and their animals. Building the new practice has been hard work but the result is fantastic. The building is great and the facilities and equipment we can offer will make a real difference to the standard of care we can provide. We are planning lots of events to celebrate our opening on 1 February 2016 and can’t wait to meet old friends and clients, as well as new, and showing them what we can offer.” 

In March 2015 Kirstie joined Tyrrells Equine Clinic as their receptionist, speaking to clients on a daily basis and helping out in clinic when necessary. Now Kirstie has returned to Stuart’s small animal practice as Practice Manager and has studied alongside her role to gain her Level ll Bookkeeping Certificate. Kirstie took a short break in her career to go on maternity leave, and has now returned on a part time basis so that she can also spend time with her son. 

When Stuart started up again at Hitchin Vets it was a natural progression to move so Emma joined the practice in May 2016. Emma enjoys all aspects of her job, especially the clients, and she is also fond of the owners too! Overall, Emma has now worked for Stuart for over 30 years! 

Emma has a real love for anything with a spaniel face, and her nursing passions are carrying out x rays and ultrasounds! She also works as a rep travelling around the country to different clinics alongside her nursing role within the veterinary industry. 

Annabel originally studied at Shuttleworth College obtaining a National Diploma in Animal Management. During her time at college she was employed at the Pets at Home Stevenage store, gaining further small animal experience as well as regular interaction with the public.