Our Vets

John Hayes BVSc MRCVS

 John is the founding owner of Westlakes Vet Hospital.Opening its doors in 1981,John  began the Westlakes Veterinary Hospital at Fennell Bay. For 35 years he has been providing a caring and excellent professional service for the pets of Lake Macquarie.

 John is very community minded – John has spent many years as President of the Newcastle Veterinary Association, John gave free pet advice each week on the local ABC radio station as well as sessions on 2HD and appearances on the local TV Morning Show, helping Newcastle people provide the best care for their pets.

 John started his Veterinary career in Dubbo, before   gaining experience in England in both equine and   small  animal practices. He still enjoys treating horses,   but these days most of his time is spent on all areas of   general medicine and surgery for smaller pets. John’s vast experience has given him a depth in general case management that is exceptional in the veterinary profession.

Outside of work John follows with a passion Australian cricket, Rugby, AFL –indeed all sports. He and his wife Pamela enjoy travelling when time and the practice allow.

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Paul Collard BVSc

Paul has been practising Veterinary Science for over 30 years. He set up his own successful small animal practice on the South Coast of NSW before returning to what he describes as "God's own country", Lake Macquarie, where he grew up. He has been with Westlakes Veterinary Hospital for three years and already has a loyal following of clients.

Nurse Heidi

Heidi is our Head Nurse / Practise manager 

Heidi is known for her caring nature with every patient that walks through our doors. She often opens her home and gives up weekends to ensure that injured and sick are properly looked after and loved.

Heidi has an eccentric collection of animals that share her home. Sheldon, a beautiful Staffy cross, Caesar the 3 legged Bulldog. Jordan, Mia and Spaghetti the cats.

Jordan was rescued by Nurse Heidi when he was very young and found in a nearby park.

Mia was part of a litter that Nurse Heidi hand raised. Spaghetti was also a rescue who was surrendered to the clinic at 5weeks old.

 Some of you may have already met Caesar,the three legged bulldog, he’s hard to forget! After being hit by a car Nurse Heidi adopted him and nursed him through his recovery and the loss of his leg. It certainly doesn’t slow him down one bit! Sheldon has been with Heidi the longest and helps keep the pack in line 

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Nurse Jenny

Jenny is extremely passionate about ALL aspects of Vet Nursing, Her calm caring personality is exactly what our fur babies need when visiting the clinic for a proceedure.

Nurse Jenny is our number 1 Puppy trainer. Teaching the pups of Lake Macquarie and their families how to give their new four legged friend the best start in life. Jenny runs our Monday night Puppy Pre School classes. 

Jenny has a special interest in exotics. She shares her home with just a few bunnies and an adorable little chihuahua. Maple and Poppy the Angora and Cashmere rabbits,Toffee and Clinton the Jersey Wooly rabbits and last but not least, Hershey the adorable little chihuahua.

 

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Nurse Courtney

Courtney is our newest team member,

Courtney started with us as a very eager work experience student in Feburary 2018 

She has a keen interest in anything feline. Studying feline behaviour is one of her favourite areas to extened her knowlwdge.

Courtney will graduate as a qualified Veterinary nurse  ( Cert iv ) June 2019.

She has already enrolled with ISFM to continue her study with a Certificate in Feline nursing.

Courtney shares her home with Timmy and Bot the adorable Domestic Short Hairs. 

 

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