Cambridge Vet Nurse Makes History
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A veterinary nurse at a Cambridgeshire practice is the first nurse to join the board of a leading not-for-profit organisation for the veterinary profession.
Julie Eastham, who has worked at Linnaeus-owned Cromwell Vets for 18 years, takes her seat on the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) which provides advice, guidance and support for those in the profession.
As part of her historic role, Julie is particularly looking forward to helping highlight the good work the SPVS does for those in the veterinary industry, as well as helping SPVS teams with training courses and its congress.
Julie, who is also practice manager at Cromwell Vets, which has six clinics across Cambridgeshire and a rehabilitation centre, said: “From talking to nurses and front of house teams, they have either never heard of SPVS or think SPVS is a society just for vets.
“However, as a veterinary nurse I feel I can benefit SPVS as I straddle two parts of the veterinary business.
“I am able to see the practice as a whole, working to ensure we have a high standard, quality business but I’m also able to see how business decisions affect my fellow nurses.”
Julie first became involved with SPVS when attending their congresses, which she found to be really interesting, with a good mix of management and leadership training.
Julie added: “When SPVS were looking for some new board members I contacted them. I wasn’t sure if a non-vet would be able to join the board, however, after speaking with them I applied and was pleased to be accepted.”
Pete Orpin, chair of the board SPVS, said: “In 2023, we had a strong group of new board members. Julie Eastham stood out as someone who could bring a wider variety of skills to SPVS.
“The combination of nursing and managerial experience is highly valuable and we look forward to working with Julie during her time on the board.”
Outside of work, animals continue to play a central role in Julie’s life as she helps run a dog training club, as well as owning seven dogs.
Cromwell Vets has practices in Huntingdon, St Ives, St Neots, Ramsey, Cambourne and Sawtry. For more information, visit www.cromwellvets.co.uk or search for them on social media.