Hexham 01434 607677
Meet The Team
The team you can trust with your pet’s health
We’re all pet owners at Orchard House. We appreciate the love they give us and, of course, the care they need.
Vets
Tim Pearson BVMS, MVM, MRCVS
It seems that almost everyone knows me, Clinical Director and vet as “Uncle Tim”! I consult and operate at Hexham for most of the week, with a weekly session at our Bellingham centre. I graduated way back in 1988 from the University of Glasgow Veterinary School, just a few years behind “James Herriot” or, real name, Alf Wight. I attained a Masters Degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1989 for work treating arthritis in dogs before I started work in general practice. I worked in the North East, London and in a referral veterinary hospital in Harrogate before I decided that I wanted to start my own practice back in Northumberland. My vision was to create a dedicated pet animal practice which had the friendliness and personal touch of a small practice, but which also kept clinical standards and levels of care and facilities which could rival larger hospitals. I opened Orchard House in Hexham in 1998. That first day I had two clients. The practice now has around 10,000 registered clients and employs 20 staff over our three branches, but we have remained small enough to care. My wife, Cath, is a teacher. Cath and my two daughters see more of me on evenings and weekends than in the early years when I was on duty 24/7.
We have two slightly mad Border Collies, Ozzie and Drum (named after Hadrian’s Wall forts).
We have two slightly mad Border Collies, Ozzie and Drum (named after Hadrian’s Wall forts).
Jill Crawford BVMS, MRCVS
Having qualified from Glasgow University and settled in Northumberland, I joined the team in 2004 when the practice expanded to Stocksfield. In addition to my general clinical work, I also take acupuncture referrals from other practices. I have recently developed the ‘Cat Friendly Clinic’ scheme across the surgeries, and co-ordinates Orchard House’s membership of the voluntary RCVS Practice Standards accreditation. I was inspired to become a vet by the James Herriot stories, a love of science and the great outdoors.
When not at work I enjoy swimming, cycling, riding my beloved Connemara pony Bertie and walking the slightly wayward Bruce, a Border cross Patterdale (his mother was a patient!). I cannot imagine my life without animals in it, and I firmly believe that the companionship of a happy and healthy pet enriches our lives.
When not at work I enjoy swimming, cycling, riding my beloved Connemara pony Bertie and walking the slightly wayward Bruce, a Border cross Patterdale (his mother was a patient!). I cannot imagine my life without animals in it, and I firmly believe that the companionship of a happy and healthy pet enriches our lives.
Shona McKay BVM&S, MRCVS
Shona spends her clinical time at Stocksfield, but will travel to Hexham to support with operations when its busy.
She graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh in 2001.
Shona worked in mixed practice in South Yorkshire before working in Australia with koalas and wallabies. She returned to the UK to work in practice in north Northumberland and in a Veterinary Hospital in County Durham. She joined the Orchard House family in 2012.
If she sometimes looks tired, it is because she and her husband Simon have two young boys Callum and Euan who don’t appreciate the value of sleep yet… wait until they are teenagers!
She graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh in 2001.
Shona worked in mixed practice in South Yorkshire before working in Australia with koalas and wallabies. She returned to the UK to work in practice in north Northumberland and in a Veterinary Hospital in County Durham. She joined the Orchard House family in 2012.
If she sometimes looks tired, it is because she and her husband Simon have two young boys Callum and Euan who don’t appreciate the value of sleep yet… wait until they are teenagers!
Rachel Brown BVet Med MRCVS
Originally from Worcestershire, I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 2013. Starting out in a busy small animal hospital and mixed practice, I spent the next 3 years treating everything from rabbits to reindeer in the North East. After a stint in small animal practice in the Lake District I returned to the North East and I was delighted to join the Orchard House team in April 2018.
I work mainly between Bellingham and Hexham and in my free time I can normally be found enjoying the beautiful Northumberland landscape with my partner Jack and our bonkers German Pointer, Ned.
I work mainly between Bellingham and Hexham and in my free time I can normally be found enjoying the beautiful Northumberland landscape with my partner Jack and our bonkers German Pointer, Ned.
Jack Porteous BSc BVMedSci BVM BVS MRCVS
Born and bred in Northumberland, I graduated from Nottingham in 2016 and have spent the last 4 years in mixed practice in Cumbria.
In my spare time I enjoy archery, watching rugby and going for long hikes in the mountains (or at least being dragged up them by Ned the German Pointer).
Fiona Potts BVM&S MRCVS
Fiona is originally from Ayrshire and graduated from Edinburgh University in 2012, going on to work for 8 years in mixed practice in Aberdeenshire.
She has just moved to Northumberland with her husband who has started a new job in the area.
She has a fabulous ginger cat called Harry and 4 lovely dogs; a few cocker spaniels and a patterdale terrier.
Outside of work she likes walking the dogs, reading, baking and visiting friends and family.
She will be working across all the practices depending on who is on holiday!
She has just moved to Northumberland with her husband who has started a new job in the area.
She has a fabulous ginger cat called Harry and 4 lovely dogs; a few cocker spaniels and a patterdale terrier.
Outside of work she likes walking the dogs, reading, baking and visiting friends and family.
She will be working across all the practices depending on who is on holiday!
Kate Alexander-Redfern BVSc MRCVS
I grew up in Hexham and am very excited to be back in Northumberland; I will be mainly based at Stocksfield and Hexham, but will be covering holiday at all the branches. After graduating from Liverpool University in 2020 I moved to West Yorkshire with my partner and worked at busy small animal hospitals.
I have 2 cats - Fergus who I rescued after he came in as stray and Fern. As well as 2 horses - Ginger and her daughter Luna.
Outside of work I can usually be found outdoors either schooling my young horse Luna or in the Lake District hiking, open water swimming or rock climbing.
Dr Hannah French BVMS MRCVS
I qualified in 1998 and started work in mixed practice for about 6 years , working with high herd health specific pathogen-free pigs , cattle , sheep , goats ,alpacas and horses to name a few .
I subsequently moved into purely small animal practice and over the years have worked in various small animal practices up and down the country. Whilst working in an emergency veterinary hospital, (taking out-of-hours calls for a large surrounding area) I developed an eye referral service , and gained my GpCertificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2013.
I previously worked for Uncle Tim at OHVC 7 years ago, and loving it so much have returned ! It is so great to be part of the team again and meeting some of my previous clients has been wonderful. Outside work I spend a lot of time running after my children , who are usually running after the cat (beautiful Tilly, pictured) . Thankfully she is very light on her feet!
Services
ConsultationsWe offer our clients longer surgery consultations to properly understand and discuss the health concerns of our clients and their pets
Pet CareOur care is personal, we pride ourselves on that. Our motto is to care for your pet as if they were our pet
SurgeriesYour pet’s care is our priority which is why we offer an extensive range of surgeries with our fantastic Veterinary Surgeons.
Laparoscopic Keyhole SurgeryWe promise to care for your pet as if they were our pets. This includes having the most up-to-date and effective medical and surgical procedures available.
VaccinationsOur vaccination service is an injection given to your pet to help prevent infections and diseases
ReferralsOur referral services include Laparoscopic keyhole surgery & Diagnostic Imaging. Our highly qualified and experienced team strives to offer the best treatment options for each case.
Repeat PrescriptionsRepeat prescriptions are available through our prescription request form or call the surgery where the reception staff will take your order.
Nurses
Catherine Waters
I grew up with various pets from a young age and was always out and about on nature trails.
I am sure this is where my passion started, I knew I wanted to be a nurse and to care for anything that moved! I did my Veterinary Nurse training at Myerscough College. I qualified in 2003 and worked in local practices before joining the Orchard House team in 2006. My special interests are anaesthesia and pet psychology.
When I am not a veterinary nurse I’m a busy mammy to my young daughter and two rescue cats Joseph and Merlin. I enjoy reading, swimming and cooking for my family.
I am sure this is where my passion started, I knew I wanted to be a nurse and to care for anything that moved! I did my Veterinary Nurse training at Myerscough College. I qualified in 2003 and worked in local practices before joining the Orchard House team in 2006. My special interests are anaesthesia and pet psychology.
When I am not a veterinary nurse I’m a busy mammy to my young daughter and two rescue cats Joseph and Merlin. I enjoy reading, swimming and cooking for my family.
Christine Fairbairn
I have been at Orchard House since 2007. I qualified in 1982 and have worked in a few practices in the North East since. I gained a Certificate in Education at the University of Sunderland. My main clinical interests are reproduction and neonatal care.
Emily Harrison
Having joined the Orchard House team in September 2016 to complete a Veterinary Assistant course, I am now a qualified Veterinary Nurse, which I love!
I have always wanted to work with animals and grew up surrounded by them. I have many animals including; a Pygmy Hedgehog called Bob, a bird, chickens, ducks, many cats and two beloved dogs – Billy the Poodle and Meia, my Dachshund who was rescued after being brought to the practice as a stray. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the countryside with my dogs.
I have always wanted to work with animals and grew up surrounded by them. I have many animals including; a Pygmy Hedgehog called Bob, a bird, chickens, ducks, many cats and two beloved dogs – Billy the Poodle and Meia, my Dachshund who was rescued after being brought to the practice as a stray. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring the countryside with my dogs.
Darren Tones
I grew up in Perth, Australia where I studied Equine Management and went on working with thoroughbreds on a stud farm for 6 years before training to become a Veterinary Nurse in 2001. Then in 2003 I moved to Hexham and soon settled when I met my partner Nicola. I joined Orchard House in March 2018 after spending several years working for one of the busiest charity veterinary hospitals gaining a lot of knowledge and skills. My special interests are surgical and emergency nursing.
I have two children and a rescue dog named Layla. When I am not at work caring for animals, I enjoy family time. One day I hope to visit family back in Australia and maybe get the opportunity to travel a bit more.
I have two children and a rescue dog named Layla. When I am not at work caring for animals, I enjoy family time. One day I hope to visit family back in Australia and maybe get the opportunity to travel a bit more.
Zoe Pickering
I started with Orchard House Vets in September 2017 as an Auxiliary Nurse having previously worked in a mixed practice for over a year. I studied at Northumberland College and gained my Level 3 in Animal Management and am excited to start my Veterinary Nurse training in September 2018. I split my time between the Stocksfield and Hexham practices.
When I am not working, I am generally found with my ponies Tinka and Mavis or on a walk with my standard Dachshund Winston.
When I am not working, I am generally found with my ponies Tinka and Mavis or on a walk with my standard Dachshund Winston.
Georgia March
I started working at Orchard House Vets in 2019, where I started off as a Veterinary Care Assistant, in the time I have been here I have completed 3 years of Veterinary Nursing training and qualified as a RVN in Feburary 2023. Prior to my training I worked in Health and Social care while doing as much voluntary work in veterinary practices as I could to gain experience. I am so relieved to have finally qualified and can't wait to gain more experince throughout my career.
When I am not working, I am usually out walking, hiking or running with my four beautiful babies, Benson the Labrador and 3 little chugs Alfie, Phoebe and Indie.
Jess Simpson
Victoria Bennett
Kelsey Simpson
Client Care
Angela Upshon
I joined Orchard House in 2021 as Practice Manager. I love animals and have adopted many stray cats. I grew up locally and went to school in Hexham. I returned to the Tyne Valley in 2017 after living in Cape Town with my family. I have worked in management and marketing for 30 years in a variety of industries. It is wonderful to work with the wonderful team at Orchard House.
Claire Finnigan
I joined the Orchard House Vets team in 2004 as Client Care Manager. Four years later I became Practice Manager. My son Archie was born in 2016 and in order to spend more time with him, I stepped down to assistant manager in June 2021.
My job is to assist Angela, the practice manager, to ensure the practice runs smoothly and efficiently.
My first contact with vets started at school – a Saturday job caring for animals as part of my Duke of Edinburgh award. I have a wide ranging experience in all aspects of veterinary practice including nursing and reception duties. I also have a Bachelor of Law LLB (Hons) degree.
My job is to assist Angela, the practice manager, to ensure the practice runs smoothly and efficiently.
My first contact with vets started at school – a Saturday job caring for animals as part of my Duke of Edinburgh award. I have a wide ranging experience in all aspects of veterinary practice including nursing and reception duties. I also have a Bachelor of Law LLB (Hons) degree.
Graham Skelton
Before joining Orchard House, I had a varied background, having worked in retail, web design and finance. I spend a lot of my spare time around animals and discovered I had a bigger passion for animals than offices! I love the variation in my job – no two days are the same for me! One minute I will be working on social media and insurance claims and the next assisting the veterinary team. It is very rewarding when you see a happy healthy pet go home.
I have a Border Terrier called Poppy, if you have been to our Hexham branch you will no doubt have heard all about her! I also have a cat called Jess who lives with my dad, as Jess and Poppy don’t see eye to eye! Outside of work I enjoy watching and playing football, hill walking with my terrier and spending time with my wife too – not necessarily in that order!
I have a Border Terrier called Poppy, if you have been to our Hexham branch you will no doubt have heard all about her! I also have a cat called Jess who lives with my dad, as Jess and Poppy don’t see eye to eye! Outside of work I enjoy watching and playing football, hill walking with my terrier and spending time with my wife too – not necessarily in that order!
Cris Paterson
I’m based at our Stocksfield branch, having joined the team in 2006. Since then I have not looked back, this is my dream job. I love getting to know and helping our clients and fussing over their pets. My veterinary knowledge has grown enormously during my time at Orchard House, I love to help the vets whenever I can.
I have two mischievous Labradors called Hattie and Maggie May.
I have two mischievous Labradors called Hattie and Maggie May.
Penny Hamman
I have been with the team since 2007. I have over 24 years’ experience in providing secretarial and administrative support.
Based at Hexham, my primary role is on reception but I also processes insurance claims and all of the ad hoc tasks of a veterinary practice!
In my spare time I enjoy walking in the countryside with my energetic Cocker Spaniel Woody (or maybe that should say ‘being walked by Woody’…). I also have two moggies – Alfie and Hamish who enjoy their days doing as little as possible other than eating and sleeping, of course.
Based at Hexham, my primary role is on reception but I also processes insurance claims and all of the ad hoc tasks of a veterinary practice!
In my spare time I enjoy walking in the countryside with my energetic Cocker Spaniel Woody (or maybe that should say ‘being walked by Woody’…). I also have two moggies – Alfie and Hamish who enjoy their days doing as little as possible other than eating and sleeping, of course.
Frances Hewitt
Bio coming soon
Emma Nixon
Emma Broadley
I recently joined the team in january 2023, from the age of 17-21 I worked in a busy GP
surgery as a receptionist. I am currently studying a part time degree in counselling and I
have a little ginger spaniel called Eddi that loves very long walks in the middle of nowhere!
Jacqui Kelly
Bio coming soon
Frances Hewitt
Frances Hewitt