Old Golf House Vets, Thetford, named a winner in the 2024 British Veterinary Association Wellbeing Awards

A veterinary practice has scooped a national award for ensuring the ‘pawsitivity’ of its staff.

Old Golf House Vets, of Brandon Road, Thetford, has been named as the winner of the large practice category in the 2024 British Veterinary Association Wellbeing Awards.

The accolade was announced at the first BVA Awards dinner at the five-star London Marriott Hotel in Canary Wharf, which celebrated the achievements of exceptional vets and veterinary teams across the country.

Old Golf House Vets stood out for its dedication to creating a positive culture in the workplace.

Judges praised the practice for prioritising the individual needs of its staff members, with flexible working available as well as opportunities to share knowledge, talk about their interests and develop skillsets.

Breaks, social activities and nominating colleagues for ‘random awards of greatness’ are strongly encouraged and celebrated on the team’s ‘pawsitivity board’.

Hayley Potter, senior practice manager, said: “I’m deeply grateful to the team who work tirelessly to ensure that wellbeing in practice is our focus.

“Prioritising wellbeing isn’t just a benefit to the individual, it’s a benefit to our teams, clients and their pets. Wellbeing initiatives such as mental health support programmes, flexible working hours and wellness resources are necessities not luxuries.

“A culture of wellbeing in practice reminds us that just like our patients we deserve empathy; it helps build resilience, allows us to face challenges with vigour and keeps us connected to the passion that drew us to this industry in the first place.

“By prioritising our own welfare, we not only honour ourselves, but the animals and people we dedicated our careers to helping.”

Staff at the practice are also encouraged to speak up and get involved with implementing change. Achievements are celebrated and personal lives are encouraged and respected.