OOH Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

MiNightVet Ipswich (based in Melton) is seeking an experienced ECC Veterinary Surgeon to join their dedicated out-of-hours team. This is a fixed-term position starting July 2026, structured around a straightforward 1:4 rota: you'll work a Saturday and Sunday day shift (8am–7pm), followed by seven consecutive nights (7pm–8am), then enjoy three weeks off. This pattern averages just 26 hours per week, delivering excellent work-life balance while keeping your clinical skills sharp.

You'll work in a fully equipped, forward-thinking clinic with an experienced ECC RVN alongside you during day shifts, plus receptionist support. The team culture is warm and collaborative—colleagues are genuinely friends, not just coworkers. By end of 2026, the practice is relocating to a purpose-built hospital with modern facilities including an onsite CT scanner, dental X-ray, and dedicated species-specific wards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead surgical and medical cases with clinical autonomy, drawing on your strong clinical experience
• Conduct primary-care out-of-hours consultations and receive case transfers from member practices
• Manage inpatient care, medical workups, routine and emergency surgery
• Provide diagnostic investigations with precision and confidence
• Mentor and support the ECC RVN and wider team, contributing to clinical standards
• Deliver excellent client communication and build trust with owners

Requirements

• RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon with minimum 2–3 years' post-qualification experience
• Strong clinical autonomy and confidence managing varied emergency and medical cases
• Solid experience in routine and emergency small-animal surgery
• Strong medical knowledge and diagnostic ability
• Excellent communication skills and passion for client service
• Team player with natural mentoring ability and commitment to continuous development

Benefits

• Competitive salary: up to £68,000 (DOE) annualised for 26.25-hour working week
• RCVS and VDS fees paid in full
• Generous CPD allowance, BSAVA library access to 450+ courses
• Fully funded postgraduate qualifications (CertAVP, PgCert) with tuition, exams, and study leave covered
• Access to Vet Oracle telemedicine specialists, Advanced Clinical Services Network, and Regional Clinical Leads for case support and mentoring
• Health cash plan (Health Shield) and Employee Assistance Programme
• Wellbeing Champions network, Pastoral Support Vets, and personal mentors
• Enhanced family leave policies
• Staff pet care discounts: 50% off services, MiPet food and medications
• Predictable 1:4 rota with three weeks off between shifts—genuine work-life balance

About the Practice

CVS Group Plc operates MiNightVet Ipswich, a dedicated out-of-hours emergency and critical-care practice based in Melton, serving the wider region. The practice is known for its friendly, supportive culture where clinicians are empowered to make informed decisions and improvement is actively encouraged. All staff—clinical and non-clinical—are deeply invested in delivering outstanding care.

CVS provides market-leading learning, on-the-job training, and collaboration with skilled colleagues. Central expert teams (HR, recruitment, payroll, IT, finance, procurement) support smooth operations, while a dedicated multi-million-pound improvement fund drives facility enhancements. The organisation prioritises colleague wellbeing through monthly line-manager check-ins, a 400-strong Wellbeing Champions network, and comprehensive mental and physical health support.