Are you a passionate veterinary surgeon looking for your next challenge? Do you dream of joining a progressive, well-equipped, and friendly practice in a picturesque part of the country? If so, Orchard House in beautiful Northumberland could be the perfect fit.
We’re seeking a veterinary surgeon, ideally with some experience and having completed your VetGDP, to join our close-knit team, working primarily at our Stocksfield branch, with occasional work at Hexham and Bellingham. This is a role where your expertise will be valued, your development supported, and your work-life balance respected.
About Us
Nestled among the rolling hills and historic streets of Hexham, and just 30 minutes from Newcastle upon Tyne, our independent practice has built a trusted reputation for exceptional small animal care. Clinical Director Tim opened the Hexham branch in 1998. Our clients appreciate both the quality of our medicine and the compassion and empathy that underpin everything we do.
Our Stocksfield branch has recently been expanded and refurbished, featuring a spacious theatre and prep area for a variety of procedures, while our rural Bellingham branch has also undergone recent renovations. Together, these branches offer variety in your working week and exposure to a broad caseload.
We’re proud of our supportive team culture. Several team members have been with the practice for 15–20 years, and five have come back after working elsewhere. You’ll be joining colleagues who actively support each other’s professional development. With certificate holders in medicine, ophthalmology, and dentistry, there’s always someone to learn from, share knowledge, and offer mentorship — helping you grow your skills while feeling part of a genuinely collaborative team.
What Our Team Says
Our 2024 Investors in People assessment, an independent survey, highlighted how supported and valued our team feel. Here’s what they had to say:
“Working here means being part of a truly supportive team where everyone’s expertise is valued.”
“It is a massive USP that we are a truly independent practice.”
“We are a small team. We all get on well. It’s like a little family.”
“The rota gives me flexibility and time to enjoy life outside of work. Hexham is a fantastic place to live, and the practice’s reputation means we see an interesting and varied caseload.”
“(Lead Nurse) is fabulous, she is reliable and accessible.”
“We treat your pets as if they are our own. We get to know the clients and take time to build a relationship with them.”
Why You’ll Love Working Here
Supportive Team Culture & Social Life
Work alongside seven experienced vets and eight RVNs who value open communication, inclusivity, and teamwork. Our team doesn’t just work well together; we enjoy each other’s company, too. From Christmas parties and pizza lunches to casual Friday treats, summer paddling, and nights out in Newcastle, there are plenty of opportunities to bond beyond work.
Exceptional Facilities & Varied Caseload
Enjoy a mix of surgical and consulting shifts across our three branches, with access to the latest technology, including laparoscopy, DR and dental radiography, and a fully equipped in‑house lab. Weekly visits from a specialist ultrasound and endoscopy service further enhance our diagnostic and treatment options.
Career Growth & CPD
Whether you’re an experienced vet or looking to take the next step, you’ll find opportunities and challenges that match your ambitions. With funded CPD, certificate support, and mentorship, you can refine your surgical skills, explore new areas such as dentistry or internal medicine, and advance your career.
Wellbeing & Flexibility
We prioritise your health and work‑life balance, with regular check‑ins, protected lunch and admin time, and a rota designed to give you time to recharge and enjoy life outside of work, while still engaging in a varied and rewarding caseload. Many of our team happily commute from Newcastle, enjoying the combination of rural life and city access.
Compassionate Care
Our vets have an annual “pets in need” allowance to help treat animals whose owners cannot afford life‑saving treatment, ensuring no pet suffers due to financial constraints.
Community Engagement
We actively sponsor local events and charities, such as our Christmas pet food collection for the local food bank, reflecting our commitment to the community we serve.
Flexible Rota
* Hours: Ideally, three days per week (8:30am–6:00pm). We can also consider a four‑day full‑time role for the right person.
* Out‑of‑Hours: One evening per week from 6 pm until 10 pm on‑call (same weeknight each week), plus one weekend in five (on‑call 7am–10 pm), including Saturday morning consults (9 am – 1 pm). Generous OOH bonus included.
* No Overnight On‑Call: Our overnight OOH service is outsourced from 10 pm daily to ensure a good night's sleep.
What We Offer
* Salary: £40,000–£60,000 pro rata, depending on experience
* Generous OOH Bonus for evening/weekend shifts
* Annual Leave: Five weeks plus Bank Holidays
* CPD Support: Fully funded, including certificates
* Pet‑Friendly Environment: Well‑behaved dogs welcome and enjoy a generous staff discount
* Wellbeing Support: Flexible arrangements, regular check‑ins, and a supportive team
Life in Hexham & Northumberland
Hexham is a historic market town full of charm, with independent cafés, a small cinema, sports facilities, and the iconic Hexham Abbey. Surrounded by Northumberland’s rolling countryside, you’ll enjoy riverside walks, cycling trails, hiking, horse riding, and paddleboarding — all just 30 minutes from Newcastle. Perfect for those who want a vibrant community, outdoor adventure, and city access all in one.
Join Us
Joining Orchard House is more than a career move; it’s an opportunity to be part of a community that values growth, kindness, and excellence. Call us for an informal chat, or apply today and help shape the future of veterinary medicine in Northumberland. We look forward to welcoming you to our team!
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