Vets in Penwortham and Fulwood play host to UCLan’s first vet students

Katey Middleton, Dylan Fowles, Kate Flintoft, Lucy Storey and with Ernie the dog. Pic: UCLan

First-year veterinary students from the University of Central Lancashire have completed work placements across the North West.

A total of 53 practices welcomed over 70 students studying Veterinary Medicine and Surgery for two weeks of hands-on learning.

Penwortham’s Ribble Vets and Fulwood’s Oakhill Vets were among those who invited students to take on the experience.

The students were split across small animal, farm animal equine and mixed practices.

Some also completed work in places such as Ayr, York and Northampton, as part of their intramural placements away from University.

Lucy Storey, 19, took on a 10 day placement at The Veterinary Health Centre in Lytham.

She said: “It’s been absolutely amazing to have got hands on with such a large range of animals.

“We already have fantastic weekly animal handling sessions at University, but to get the chance to work with tortoises, chameleons and bearded dragons, in addition to cats and dogs, has been wonderful.”

Lucy Storey and Katey Middleton with Dexter the dog. Pic: UCLan

UCLan has the only vet degree programme in the UK, where students have work placement in their first year of studies.

Dylan, 19, who also had experience at The Veterinary Health Centre said: “Getting out into a practical setting within the first five months of starting the degree course is a major plus for me.

“I’ve learned so much from watching how the vets interact with the different patients and their owners.

“It’s really helped me improve my communication skills, not only with the owners and the patients but with the vets, veterinary nurses, receptionists, finance team and practice manager.”

Kate Flintoft and Dylan Fowles with Ernie the dog. Pic: UCLan

With the first ever cohort of veterinary students beginning their studies in September last year, work is currently underway on building a new state-of-the-art vet school, which due to open next year.

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