A VETERINARY nurse, who began her working life mucking out stables, answering phones and cleaning kennels, has landed a key role at one of North Yorkshire’s best known vet practices.

Lisa Winter has just been appointed practice manager at Tower Veterinary Group, which has six branches across York.

Lisa began her career in an equine and small animal practice in her native East Yorkshire after studying animal care at Bishop Burton College, before she began her inspirational climb up the career ladder.

After qualifying as a registered veterinary nurse, she spent 15 years as a practice manager at a surgery in Scarborough.

For the last three years, she has been a business trainer within the veterinary profession, advising practice owners, vets, nurses and receptionists in skills such as business, customer care and consulting skills.

She brings more than 20 years of experience and knowledge of the veterinary industry to her new role, which sees her based at Tower Veterinary Group’s main branch in Fulford Road, York.

Lisa will be responsible for managing a team of nine vets, 11 veterinary nurses and 14 reception and office staff.

Lisa said: “I started right on the bottom rung and learned all about veterinary nursing, before moving up the management ladder.

“I’ve returned to practice work and hope I can help make a difference for people.

“It’s the first time Tower Vets has had a Practice Manager for more than five years so I want to inspire and support the team.

“My aim is to help team members, including two trainee nurses, to develop their skills.

“I understand the dynamics and the pressure of the role of veterinary nurses and receptionists.

“From the moment a client needs a vet for their pet, we need to ensure their experience of the practice is a good one.”

Lisa is also planning to launch weekly puppy socialisation classes at the practice.

The classes are aimed at helping owners of new puppies to give their pets the best start with basic training and social skills so they grow into happy, well-behaved dogs.

As well as their practice in Fulford Road, Tower has surgeries on East Parade in Heworth, in Bishopthorpe Road along with branches in Haxby, Dunnington and Acomb.