Guy Platt MRCVS

Guy qualified as a vet at the Royal (Dick) Veterinary College in Edinburgh. His first job in practice brought him to Kington, where he gained a broad range of experience treating all species. The Welsh Marches suited Guy and Kate, and they settled here before the arrival of their children prevented escape.

Guy built a loyal client base in Kington, many of whom followed him to Hay. His particular interests are beef and sheep health planning. He is also has knowledge of alpacas, back-yard poultry and pigs.

Kate Platt MRCVS

Kate's professional life started in Hay, where she took her first job with Arwyn Davies. At his practice, Kate built up a loyal following of clients who particularly valued her extensive knowledge and surgical skills. Kate took a career break following the birth of Ellie in 2003 and Freya in 2005. When Hay Vets opened Kate was keenly received back into practice by many of her old clients, she now works part time after the birth of son Tristan in 2008.

Kate has recently started treating some patients using acupuncture. Patients and clients alike are thrilled with the impressive results.

Barney Sampson MRCVS

Barney graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 1995. His first job was in Kington, where he stayed for 5 years, having got himself entangled with a local farmer's daughter (see below!). A spell running a branch of a busy mixed practice in Shropshire was followed several years at Fyrnwy Equine Clinics, a busy equine referral practice. This time gave him a wealth of experience dealing with all sorts of equines, from donkeys to Thoroughbred broodmares. Hoping that a lifetime's ambition to run their own practice was on the cards in Hay, Barney and Hannah headed off to India for six month's sabbatical. Working with local vets treating street dogs, temple elephants, Burmese pythons and racehorses combined to make this time a real adventure. However, the comforts of UK life and chance to work with old friends drew them back to the Welsh borders.

Hannah Sampson MRCVS

Since graduating from the Royal Veterinary College, Hannah has worked in mixed practices in Wales and North Shropshire. The six month sabbatical to India with Barney in 2006 was a final jaunt before settling down to real-life and partnership when Hay Vets opened at the beginning of 2007. Following the birth of Bea in March 2007 and Georgie in May 2008, Hannah comes to work 3 days a week. In addition to farm work, Hannah enjoys caring for small animals too. Particular interests include feline geriatrics, rabbit surgery and general medicine. Hannah is currently studying for a European certificate in Small Animal medicine.

Steve Baird MRCVS

Steve graduated from the Royal (Dick) Veterinary School in June 2007. Steve's caring manner and jovial sense of humour make him popular with colleagues and clients alike. Special interests include cardiology and exotic animal medicine. When away from work Steve is often found walking up mountains with wife Elle and Border terrier Denzel in tow.

Louise Barnham MRCVS

Louise Barnham has worked as a vet in Hay for over 10 years. Lou is currently on maternity leave.

Lucy Brock MRCVS

This is Lucy's first job as a qualified vet. However, she is not new to practice, having worked as a veterinary nursing assistant before starting her degree course at Liverpool University. After graduating in 2007 Lucy was keen to gain a broad range of experience in mixed practice. In addition to this, her experience of and enthusiasm for horses has meant she has quickly become popular with our equine clients.

Heidi French

Heidi joined us in July 2009, having graduated from the University of Bristol. Vetting is her second career; a few years teaching secondary pupils crystalised a long term ambition to train as a vet. Away from work Heidi is a keen swimmer and bog snorkeller. In 2005 she was crowned World Champion snorkeller!

Helen Smith MRCVS

Helen joined the us when we took over Arwyn Davies' practice in July 2007. Hailing from Cwmdu, Helen was keen to return to this part of the world after graduating from Glasgow University. A popular and extremely knowledgeable vet, Helen has become an essential member of the practice.

Emily Williams

Emily graduated from the Royal Veterinary College and has come back home to Herefordshire after a few years working in south Wales. Having grown up on the family farm outside Kington, she is no stranger to the joys of borders life and is able to turn her hand to all the challenges of mixed veterinary practice.

Nicola Pakyuz - Veterinary Nurse

Nic, our veterinary nurse, works three days a week, helping run the small animal department. Formerly head nurse at Arrowfield vets in Kington, Nic has plenty of experience and knowledge. During our nurse clinics, Nic can give advice on diet, preventative medicine and parasite control.

Chris Davies FRICS

Chris Davies is our practice manager. After running a branch of an estate agents in Hay for eleven years he has plenty local knowledge.

Office Staff: Kate Davies, Louise Graham,  Steph Gilbert, Stacey Lloyd, Emma Maddox, Jane Nichols, Jess Preece, Kerry Price & Louise Graham

Our team of support staff help with everything from nursing to office work. Their dedication and hard work ensure our patients and clients are well looked after.