About Downes Veterinary SurgeonsInformation about our veterinary surgeries
Downes Veterinary Surgeons was established as ‘Downes & Partners’ by Jim Downes in 1972 when he opened the Leigh surgery at 932 London Road. The Surgery quickly flourished and the Practice expanded with the opening of the Rayleigh surgery in 1982, followed by the addition of the Thorpe Bay surgery in 1984. Jim Downes continued as Senior Partner until his retirement in 1992. He, and his wife Janet, still live locally in Leigh and often pop into the Surgery to say hello. When Jim Downes retired, Peter Hepworth then took over as Senior Partner until his retirement from the Practice in 2003.
In January 2006, wanting to retain our links with the excellent reputation that Jim Downes had established in the town, but reflect the fact that he was no longer directly involved with the Practice, we changed the Practice name to Downes Veterinary Surgeons. Each surgery is a self contained clinic with hospitalisation, diagnostic and surgical facilities on site although some of the more specialised equipment is kept at one or other surgery where the veterinary surgeon most experienced in the discipline usually works. On 1st January 2015 we became a limited company, and in May 2016 we were proud be become part of the Medivet Group.
The Clinical Directors are:
Hugh Gilmore MVB MRCVS
Joined in 1984
Carol Jones BVMS MRCVS
Joined in 1985
Oliver Smith BVM&S MRCVS
Joined in 1988
Margaret Daziano BVMS MRCVS
Joined in 1986, retired in October 2016
In 2004, Downes Vets appointed their first Practice Manager, Judy Matthews, to oversee the day-to-day running of the Practice.
We have two part-time office ladies; Michelle and Andrea, and between them they have over 40 years service at Downes.
In addition to the clinical directors the Practice has a further 6 qualified veterinary surgeons, and 12 qualified veterinary nurses who work across the 3 surgeries.
Our lay staff include a dedicated team of receptionists, office staff and a handyman.
932 London Road
Essex SS9 3NG
28 Eastwood Road
Essex SS6 7JQ
Thorpe Bay Surgery
27 Shoebury Road
Essex SS1 3RP
For emergencies call
your usual surgery number
and you will be connected
to our Southend Hospital
Downes Veterinary Surgeons is part of the Medivet Group
Medivet Partnership LLP, Unit 4, Mowat Industrial Estate,
Sandown Road, Watford, WD24 7UY
Limited Liability Partnership Registered in England No OC344222