Meet the Team
Learn more about the experienced, friendly faces that make up our referral team
Dr Duncan Midgley
BVMS CertSAO MRCVS AVP(SAO) RCVS Recognised Advanced Veterinary Practitioner(Small Animal Orthopaedics)
Clinical Director and Orthopaedic Surgeon
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Duncan graduated from The University of Glasgow in 1991 and achieved his RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Orthopaedics, whilst in practice, in 1996. He became a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons recognised Advanced Veterinary Practitioner in Small Animal Orthopaedics in 2014. He is a clinical director at Rutland House Referrals in St.Helens where he has worked in orthopaedics for over 25 years. He is a consultant for Securos Orthopaedics and has taught courses to postgraduate vets on their behalf for a number of years both in the UK and the USA, lecturing on treatments for cruciate disease and the management of trauma cases with locking plates. He has presented at BSAVA, VetFest, the London Vet show and World Veterinary Orthopaedic Congress including a clinical abstract to the Dermatology group at BSAVA on the use of isotretinioids! He is the past chair of the VetPartners surgery board and a coauthor of several papers in peer reviewed journals.
Whilst he is interested in all areas of orthopaedics and traumatology, he has specific interests in the management of cranial cruciate disease and the mechanics and application of locking plate systems.
When not working, he spends his time trying reduce his golf handicap.
Dr Bartosz Ropelewski
GPCertSAS PGCertSAS MRCVS RCVS advanced practitioner in small animal surgery
Orthopaedic & Soft Tissue Surgeon
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Bart qualified in 2006 from University of Warmia Mazury in Poland. Straight after University he completed a 9 month rotational internship in a Veterinary Hospital in Gdansk Poland. For the next 12 years Bart worked in a first opinion practice in South Manchester, where he developed a strong interest in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery and went on to study for certificate in small animal surgery which he achieved in 2016. The following year he gained my advanced practitioner status. In 2018 Bart started working in a busy hospital in Nottingham, where he further developed my surgical skills. Bart is interested in all aspects of surgery, but has a special interest in Neurosurgery, brachycephalic airway syndrome and reconstructive surgeries. Bart lives at home with his black cat, partner and our young daughter. Bart’s interests outside of work include training for triathlons, walking and wild swimming.
Dr Steve Hancox
BVSc CertVR CertSAS MRCVS RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery
Orthopaedic & Soft Tissue Surgeon
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Steven qualified in 1984 and ran his own veterinary practice in Warrington for 30 years where he developed an interest in surgery including minimally invasive surgery. He obtained RCVS Certificates in Veterinary Radiology in 1992 and Small Animal Surgery in 2002. After selling his practice in 2017, he became an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in 2020. He sees soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery cases.
Dr Christopher Saul
BVetMed CertSAM MRCVS RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Medicine
Internal Medicine/Oncology
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Christopher qualified from the Royal Veterinary College, London in 2003. He gained his certificate in small animal medicine in 2010, and is an RCVS recognised advanced practitioner in small animal medicine. Since then he has worked in a busy referral centre in the North West, seeing referrals in general medicine and oncology.
His principal interests include gastrointestinal, pancreatic, liver and kidney diseases as well as investigation and treatment of immune mediated disease and chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer. He enjoys using endoscopy for investigation of stomach and bowel disorders. He is also an external examiner for the University of Liverpool.
Outside of work Christopher is a keen photographer and tennis player but most of all enjoys spending as much time as he can with his wife, their two young daughters and their mischievous Cavapoo.
Silvana Roviello
CertAVP(VD) MRCVS
Dermatologist
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Silvana graduated in Veterinary Medicine in 1988 from the University of Naples, Italy. In 1993 she gained her PhD in Large Animal Production and continued working in academia for several years. In 1998 she moved to the UK. She worked for DEFRA during the Foot and Mouth Disease epidemic. In 2002 started working in first opinion small animal practice. She developed an interest in Dermatology and in 2019 she gained the Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice Veterinary Dermatology.
She lives in Manchester with her partner Bill, their son Alessandro and Tina, the cat. She enjoy walking, hiking, travelling, reading and watching crime stories
Janie Clare
RVN MBVNA
Clinical Director and Practice Manager
Karen Lord
RVN MBVNA
Nurse Manager
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Karen qualified as a veterinary nurse in 1999 and brings a wealth of experience from working in a variety of practices. She rejoined Rutland House in 2022, having previously worked with the team on two separate occasions. She has a particular interest in diagnostic imaging and is currently expanding her skills by assisting in the MRI/CT department. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking in mountains around the world and spending time with her two cats, Colin and Henri.
Jenny Smith
RVN
Veterinary Nurse – Shift Leader
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Jenny began her journey at Rutland House in 2011 as an animal care assistant. She qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 2017, before going on to achieve a diploma in advanced veterinary nursing of small animals in 2022. As a valued member of the senior nursing team, she balances her passion for hands-on patient care with leadership responsibilities — supporting the nursing teams across the hospital and its multiple branches. She has a particular interest in inpatient care, but also enjoys working in theatre, medicine, and nurse consults. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her grandchildren and caring for her guinea pigs, Ant and Dec.
Steph Bradley
RVN
Veterinary Nurse – Shift Leader
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Steph qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 2013, and joined our team the same year as a dermatology nurse. She later transitioned into first opinion practice, where she discovered a strong passion for inpatient care. This led her to take on the role of inpatient care and medicine nurse, working closely with both hospitalised patients and the oncology/medicine team. Now part of the senior nursing team, she combines her love of hands-on patient care with leadership responsibilities, supporting the nursing teams across the main hospital and multiple branch practices. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling and spending time with her family, including her beloved rescue cat, Oscar.
Kelly Park
DipAVN (Small Animal) RVN
Theatre Nurse
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Kelly began her veterinary career in in 2008, and qualified as a registered veterinary nurse a few years later. After spending nine years in first opinion practices, she joined Rutland House in 2017. Since then, she has earned a diploma in advanced veterinary nursing and has worked as a referral theatre nurse. She has a strong interest in general anaesthesia and surgery, and spends most of her time monitoring anaesthetics or assisting the veterinary surgeons during procedures.
Michelle Jones
DipAVN (Small Animal) RVN
Theatre Nurse
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Michelle is a highly experienced veterinary nurse with over 20 years in the profession. She primarily works in the referral theatre, supporting both soft tissue and orthopaedic surgeons. Her key interests lie in anaesthesia monitoring and pain management, areas she finds particularly rewarding. She holds a diploma in advanced veterinary nursing, a certificate in dentistry and a degree, as well as an advanced nursing certificate in anaesthesia. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active at the gym, spending quality time with her children, and walking her dog.
Nick Shackleton
FdSc PgCert. Dip AVN (Surgical) RVN
Imaging & Theatre Referral Nurse
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Nick qualified as an RVN in 2001 and gained his Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Surgical) in 2010. During his studies he developed a keen interest in diagnostic imaging. Subsequently he joined the NHS and worked for them for 7.5 years training and working as an Assistant Practitioner in Radiography. He rejoined the Veterinary industry full time, predominantly using his skills and knowledge of imaging to set up and run a Veterinary CT service. In 2019 he moved practices with the purpose to learn MRI scanning. In 2022 he joined Rutland House Referrals. Here he predominantly undertakes MRI & CT scanning for all referral areas of the practice as well as our first opinion service.
Taylor Cooper
DipAVN (Small Animal) RVN
Theatre Nurse
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Taylor qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 2014 while working in a first opinion practice. During this time, she developed a particular interest in surgical procedures and caring for brachycephalic patients. She joined Rutland House in 2016 and has since become a dedicated member of the referral theatre team, where she continues to pursue her passion for surgery and advanced patient care.
Rebecca Speakman
RVN FdSc, Ncert (Med) Pg Cert, Cert AVN (Oncology)
Medicine and Theatre Nurse
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Becky qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 2019, and divides her time between referral theatre, working alongside orthopaedic and soft tissue surgeons, and supporting the internal medicine and oncology departments. Her key interests include anaesthesia monitoring, analgesia, and oncology nursing, particularly assisting with the administration of chemotherapy. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and regularly gives lectures and presentations to fellow veterinary professionals. She also holds a certificate in medical Nursing, as well as an advanced nursing certificate in oncology nursing.
Bertie Holgate
DipAVN (small animal) RVN
Dermatologist Nurse
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Bertie has worked in 1st opinion, charity and referral practice for over 20 years. An advanced diploma holder along with special interests in anaesthesia and research.
Passionate in education through speaking and publications which I hope to incorporate dermatology in the near future.
Jill Littler
Veterinary Nurse Assistant
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Jill joined Rutland House in 2009, bringing with her valuable experience from several smaller practices. She plays a versatile role within the hospital, though she is most often found working in the dispensary. In addition to her dispensary duties, she assists the veterinary cardiologist, supporting echocardiogram procedures and acting as a key liaison between clients and the vet. She also manages the K-Laser therapy service, providing treatment for outpatients with osteoarthritis and post-operative care for inpatients. More recently, Jill has expanded her responsibilities to support the dermatology department, where she helps coordinate desensitising vaccine orders and assists with dermatological procedures.
Emma Cook
RVN
Referral Co-ordinator
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Emma qualified as a registered veterinary nurse in 1997 and began her career in a mixed small and large animal practice. After joining joined Rutland House Referrals, she became our head dermatology nurse, before taking on a new challenge and transitioning into the role of referral coordinator in 2014.
Outside of work, she enjoys cycling, hiking and exploring the world with her husband.
Siobhan Tench
Secretary
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With many years of dedicated service, Siobhan is an integral part of the Rutland House Referrals team. In her role as secretary, Siobhan provides essential administrative support, including the coordination of our full day CPD meetings. She also plays a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and professionalism of our clinical communications, ensuring that referral reports from our referral clinicians are promptly and accurately delivered to referring veterinary practices. Outside of work, she enjoys attending theatre shows, cooking and spending time with her cat, Edward.
Contact us
To learn more about how we can help, please get in touch or complete our online referral form for referring vets.
