Meet the Team

I qualified from vet school in South Africa in 1987 and then worked as a vet during my army service. My first job was in a city practice in Kempton Park. I knew I wanted to work in a mixed practice, so after 9 months we moved to the West Free State town of Bultfontein.

Here my work consisted mainly of dairy, beef, sheep herds and pet animals, with the odd bit of game work mixed in.

After four years I sold my practice to move to the Eastern Cape, to the town of Humansdorp. My main work was pet animals with a few dairy and beef herds to look after. Four years later my wife and I decided to move abroad.

My first UK job was in Sevenoaks where I worked for 18 months. An opportunity of practice ownership opened up in Essex and here, together with my business partners, we ran our surgery for 12 years. This is where I did numerous personal development courses in pursuit of my main interests, which included canine and feline medicine, abdominal and cardiac ultrasound, soft tissue surgery and oncology (both advanced surgery and chemotherapy treatments).

I was one of the students to complete the first UK based course in Endoscopy and Endosurgery and have gone on to obtain a postgraduate GP Certificate in Endoscopy and Endosurgery. This is a new and exciting field in veterinary science at present.

My wife Roulé and I have 2 daughters, who are currently at university.

Growing up my hobbies were all very doggie related where I did obedience and attack work training and some tracking trails with German Sheperds, Dobermanns and Border Collies. We have downsized our dog to a long-haired Chihuahua called Teddy.

I enjoy skiing in the winter and waterskiing in the summer.

Gerald Stam – BVSc MRCVS

I have two daughters, one dog called Dottie, a cat called Dexter and 9 sheep which we bottle fed from lambs – we seem to collect more each year!

I have worked in the practice for a while and have seen many changes. I started working in reception and was then lucky enough to be offered work experience with the nurses. I then became a trainee veterinary nurse.

When I started at the practice we were a small and large animal practice, so as well as the many duties I do today I also got the opportunity to help with cow caesareans, horse x-rays and castrations. After completing my nurse training, I was promoted to Head Nurse which I very much enjoyed for a few years, before having my first daughter and returning to work part-time. I have worked part-time since having my second daughter a few years later.

I am now back in the role of Head Nurse, working with a fantastic team here at Heathfield Vets. Being a nurse has so many varied responsibilities and each day is never the same. I help with operations, monitor anaesthetics, help with taking x-rays, ultrasounds and doing scopes, clean teeth, take blood samples, care for patients and do a lot of cleaning!

I also have my role of Head Nurse to fulfil, sorting rotas, leading team meetings, processing insurance claim and general running of the hospital.

I very much enjoy my job and love working in a practice that is forward thinking and always pushing to use the latest techniques and up-to-date equipment.

Vicki Farrant – RVN – Head Vet Nurse

I started working at Heathfield Vets in 2000 as a trainee nurse, I then qualified in 2004 and shortly afterwards became Deputy Head Nurse and then Head Nurse.

During this time we were a mixed practice, getting to help out with equine xrays and castrations, along with cow caesers and TB testing.

I took a brief hiatus in 2012 and then rejoined the practice in 2015.

My role within the practice as Deputy Head Nurse now involves nursing training, helping with surgical procedures, anaesthetics, lab work and the general day to day cleaning and running of the practice. I work with a fantastic close knit team, which always helps when some days are busy – and it’s nice to have the emotional support too!

I have three Labradors, Bingley, Indie and Pimms, who often helps with nurse training and donating blood to poorly dogs. I enjoy walking, cooking and being outside in the countryside.

Laura Walker – Deputy Head Nurse

When I was 16, I asked to ‘see practice’ with Heathfield during my school holidays, little knowing that I was destined to become one of our longest serving staff members.

Starting with a part-time evening position in 1988, I soon transferred to become a full time day receptionist.

After a further 6 years, I became the practice book-keeper – achieving my qualification with the Institute of Book-keepers.

I married in May 2000 and live in Herstmonceux, with my husband Richard and our two sons Thomas and Samuel.

We have one Springer Spaniel who is 5 years old and behaves like a mischievous teenager! He has been nicknamed JCB by my boys (Joe Crazy Batkin!). We also enjoy the countryside and are keen lovers of wildlife.

Deborah Batkin – Accounts