Meet the Team

I'm Rachel Gili-Ross the Clinical Director at Heywood Veterinary Centre and I've worked here for 5 years. I studied at the Royal Veterinary College before returning to the North West to work.

I have 2 cats called Beatrice and Bruce and enjoy all aspects of veterinary work especially Soft Tissue Surgery and Feline Medicine. 

When not at work I enjoy running, open water swimming and going to the theatre

I joined the Heywood team in 2020 as Veterinary Nurse and took on the Practice Manager role in October 2021. I started my Veterinary Nurse training in 1999, and continued to progress up to nurse manager, but moved to the Heywood team having relocated areas. As well as my nursing qualifications I have a BSc Hons in Psychology I enjoy all aspects of my nursing work especially anaesthetics, radiography and behaviour. I enjoy supporting our lovely team at Heywood and creating a warm and caring environment for the team and all the pets and clients we see. In my spare time I like to spend time with my husband and son on days out to the park and walking.

Claire graduated from the University of Bristol in 2015 and since then has had a great passion for Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery. Claire is currently working towards doing certificates for exotics to further her knowledge for this species, as well as having an interest in Canine Behaviour and Psychology. She joined our team in July 2018 and at home she has 2 rescue cats, a dog and a horse and loves to go riding and walking in her spare time as well as helping out with events and outreach at her local community church.

Victoria graduated from Edinburgh University in 2003, which she says "feels like a long time ago now!" She has worked in small animal practices in the North West since graduating and joined the team in March 2019. Her interests lie in animal behaviour and soft tissue surgery.  She has a cat, 5 sheep and 2 young daughters at home to keep her busy.

Lola comes from France and graduated in 2021 from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

She's now dropped her bags in England with her Bernese Mountain dog, Darcy. Her interests lie in emergencies and critical care, as well as surgery and imaging. In her free time she can be found hiking with Darcy, or at home reading and knitting.

Lydia joined Heywood Vets in 2014. In 2018 after graduating from Nottingham Trent University she qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse.
Lydia enjoys caring for our hospitalised patients and has taken a special interest in theatre. She is currently studying Surgical Skills and Theatre Practice in the hope to further her knowledge and abilities in this area.
At home Lydia has a cat (Merlin) and a dog (Mabel). Her interests include walking, baking and attending her local church where she helps out with the youth club and music team.

My name is Katie, I'm one of the registered Veterinary nurses at Heywood. I have an interest in exotics and enjoy dentals and inpatient care. I am currently working towards gaining an exotics certificate, At home I have 3 rescue dogs a tortoise and some giant snails. In my spare time I enjoy walks with my dogs, watching football and powerlifting at the gym. 

I joined the practice in 2023 as a student nurse and am now proud to say I have qualified as a registered veterinary nurse. I love all aspects of my role but I have a particular interest in anaesthesia and nursing consults. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and friends. 

My name is Sue and I work as the animal nursing assistant. I love helping my colleagues and assisting with the animals. My hobbies are horse riding, walks in the countryside with my dog Bella. I am also a reiki practitioner. 

Sarah Joined the team in 2008 as a receptionist. She is now more office based and has a varied role looking after the practice accounts and administration. At home she has a Green Cheeked Conure called Birdie and two budgies, Opal and Onyx who are all rescues. In her spare time, she loves reading, listening to music and walking with her husband and two children.