Join a 12-vet RCVS-accredited hospital with a genuine commitment to work-life balance: 4-day weeks, one Saturday shift monthly, and minimal on-call. Perfect for a surgeon who wants excellent facilities, supportive colleagues, and time to develop advanced skills.
One weeknight on-call every two weeks and one weekend on-call every two months. On-call can be managed from home or on-site (accommodation available); after 11 p.m. RVC takes phones, so shifts are typically inpatient-only. Buddy system in place for easy swaps.
Acorn House is searching for an experienced veterinary surgeon with a passion for surgery and the confidence to manage a varied first-opinion surgical caseload. This full-time role offers a predictable 4-day week with one Saturday shift (8–4.30) per month, plus minimal on-call duties—just one weeknight every two weeks and one weekend every two months. The practice provides its own out-of-hours service with a dedicated ECC RVN on-site, meaning on-call shifts are often inpatient-only after 11 p.m., allowing you to rest properly.
The role is ideal for someone with a strong surgical bias who can handle routine first-opinion procedures and emergency surgeries such as GDVs. An interest in advanced soft-tissue work—including BOAS—fits well with the hospital's current caseload and support structure. You'll work alongside 12 vets, many with advanced qualifications in dentistry, zoological medicine, small animal medicine, and surgery. The practice has just completed an extension adding three theatres, two dental suites, a new dog ward, and enhanced facilities including laparoscopic and orthopaedic kits, gastroscopy, bronchoscopy, and digital radiography.
Bedford is a charming market town with excellent transport links: 20 minutes to Milton Keynes, 30–50 minutes by train to London and Luton Airport, and easy road access via the A1 and M1. The River Ouse, Chiltern Hills, and Marston Vales offer countryside escapes, while the town itself hosts a weekly market, cinema, and escape rooms.
Acorn House Veterinary Hospital is a 12-vet RCVS-accredited small animal hospital in Bedford, operating as an independent practice since ownership by the Royal Veterinary College in 2018. The practice serves as a flagship teaching hospital, modelling high-quality first-opinion care to RVC veterinary students. It holds ISFM Gold Standard Cat Friendly Clinic status, Dogs Trust Dog Friendly Clinic accreditation, and is pursuing reaccreditation for RWAF Gold Rabbit Friendly Practice status. The practice is also RCVS-approved for Graduate Development and Veterinary Nurse Training, and holds Bronze Investors in the Environment accreditation.
The team includes a Head Nurse with an RCVS diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (surgical) and ECC certificate, supported by nurses holding qualifications in anaesthesia, exotics, feline nursing, and veterinary education. The clinical team comprises many experienced vets with advanced qualifications in dentistry, zoological medicine, and ongoing certifications in small animal medicine, surgery, and diagnostic imaging. Recent facility expansion has added three theatres, two dental suites, a new dog ward, and surgical supplies room, complementing existing equipment including laparoscopic and orthopaedic kits, gastroscopy, bronchoscopy, and digital radiography.
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