Meet the Team
George Packer BVSc MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
George graduated from the University of Liverpool in 1995.
After graduation, George worked in small animal practice and quickly became the Clinical Director of several practices for a large corporate vet.
As Clinical Director George was responsible for overseeing 9 other vets and helping them with difficult surgery and medicine cases. George has always had a special interest in cardiology and has since developed further interests in feline and geriatric medicine.
George took over Churchcroft Vets in 2009 with a mission to offer top quality veterinary care in a welcoming and pet friendly environment.
In his spare time George loves mountain biking and snowboarding and also enjoys playing cricket and golf.
Sarah Bransby Bsc (Hons) BVSc PGCert (SAS) MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Sarah graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011 and gained postgraduate certificate with a merit in small animal surgery in 2018. She is now on her way to becoming a dental specialist. Sarah initially started her career in a mixed practice in Lincolnshire. During this time she developed a strong interest in small animal practice especially surgery. She moved to the Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire area in 2013 and started working in solely small animal practice. In her spare time Sarah enjoys running, cycling and competing in triathlons. She has a rescue cat called Charlie and a retired event horse called Sam.
Jon Ruben BVM&S PhD MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Jon qualified from Edinburgh in 1972 and went on to obtain a Ph.D in virology in 1976.
He set up Priory Vets in the 1980s and 1990s where he first met George by employing him.
Jon is married with 5 grown up children and stepchildren who he enjoys skiing with. Jon has a Staffie called Rosie who adores everyone and a Rabbit called Bailey who has been a wonderful family pet.
When he is not busy vetting, Jon teaches primary school children.
Julia Barham RVN BSc PhD
Veterinary Nurse and Practice Manager
Julia qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 1992. After 2 years in general practice she was employed by Liverpool University as senior Equine Nurse and soon promoted to Head Equine Theatre Nurse. In 1995, she was persuaded by the Professor of Anaesthesia to go to university where she got a 1st in Biology and then gained a PhD in molecular genetics. She worked as a lecturer in genetics and postdoctoral research fellow in immunology before returning to practice at Churchcroft. Julia has 4 children and a dog called Jagger. Julia’s interests include dog training (she has represented Wales in obedience competition), running, mountain biking and skiing.
Lisa Foster RVN
Veterinary Nurse
Lisa qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) in May 2019 coming top of her year throughout her studies.
In accordance with Churchcroft offering expert dental care, Lisa has already completed an additional qualification through the British Veterinary Nursing Association for dental health and has enjoyed the reward of seeing the benefits of oral health in pets.
Lisa is now looking to make a real difference in senior pet care. She hopes to obliterate the common phrase “well, it’s just old age”. We look forward to supporting Lisa in her care of the elderly pet.
She has a miniature poodle called Rosie, 3 cats called Alfie, Charlie and Lizzie.
Aileen MacLeod
Veterinary Nurse and Pet Health Counsellor
Aileen is an experienced veterinary nurse having worked in veterinary practice for over twenty years, she is a qualified Pet Health Counsellor and has a particular interest in geriatric nursing and client support.
Aileen runs a popular laser therapy clinic here at Churchcroft Vets.
Aileen has two teenage sons Sam and Ewan who she enjoys watching play rugby, a cocker spaniel called Kenny (who’s crazy but adores Aileen to the moon and back) a rescue cat called Lee (who’s top cat) and two rats Toffee and Caramel. When Aileen isn’t running around after her family and dog walking, she enjoys live music and socialising.
Poppie Walker
Veterinary Nurse
Poppie runs our hugely popular puppy socialisation classes. She puts a lot of effort in to ensure the healthy emotional development of each puppy before they graduate.
She has a son called Harley and two chihuahua’s Rex and Diego, who’s a mummy’s boy and a beautiful if bossy cat called Narla. In her spare time, she loves being outdoors and has a keen interest in pencil drawing.
Alex Murray
Trainee Veterinary Nurse
Alex has started training towards becoming a Registered Veterinary Nurse and is loving every minute. When she’s not hard at work making sure all the jobs are done here she has a Labrador called Harry, two rabbits- Cristina and Giles and flock of chickens to look after.
Lauren Spence BSc (Hons)
Assistant Veterinary Nurse
Lauren joined our team in August 2019 as a Veterinary Nursing Assistant, following a year working at a large referral hospital as a Kennel Assistant. She also previously gained a degree in Animal Management and has volunteered for several animal charities. Lauren has all the key attributes of a Churchcroft nurse- dedication to providing the best care for pets and a great service for their owners. When you call the practice you will often have Lauren answering your call.
Lauren lives with her partner and their 3 cats and 1 rabbit: Elphie – the typical naughty tortie, Millie – the older black cat who takes great pride in being neatly curled as often as possible, Muffin – the fluffy terror who loves everyone and Smokey – the lionhead-cross bunny, currently seeking a new girlfriend!
In her spare time, Lauren enjoys reading, exploring new places and making the most of her National Trust membership.
Expert pet care from George and the team
Based in Chilwell, Beeston, Nottingham, Churchcroft Veterinary Centre is an independent practice that offers a high-quality comprehensive veterinary service to the local community and beyond, ideally positioned to treat patients in Chilwell, Beeston, Attenborough, Bramcote and the surrounding areas.
Here at Churchcroft, we understand that your pet is a very special member of your family and his or her welfare is our primary concern. Our team of vets and nurses are totally committed to giving the best possible care and advice in a friendly, supportive environment.
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Latest News
Hyperthyroid in Focus on Cats
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Lung Worm
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Travelling with your Cat
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To Vaccinate or not to vaccinate? Is there a middle ground?
Vaccination programmes have transformed our lives. We no longer have our children contracting Polio with life changing consequences and the same is true in the animal world, some preventable diseases are no longer commonplace. Distemper
De-icer, Road Salt and your Pet
With the colder weather being very much upon us, we're all having to clear the ice from our cars already! Please do be aware that if you're using any de-icing substances, these can be dangerous
Puppy Socialisation
Puppy socialisation is a vital part of raising a well rounded dog that is a joy to own and a great companion. Because of this Churchcroft Vets are committed to providing Free socialisation classes for
