OOH Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to work a highly attractive 7 nights on, 21 nights off rota at a modern, purpose-built referral hospital in Colchester. You'll manage emergency and critical care cases overnight, providing high-quality care for hospitalised patients and delivering excellent clinical decision-making during the out-of-hours period. This is not a lone-working role: you'll work alongside another ECC vet, two dedicated night RVNs, and have full access to the day referral team for advice and support whenever needed.

The role offers excellent exposure to a wide variety of interesting and often complex emergency cases, with the opportunity to further develop your ECC skills in a genuinely supportive setting. You'll be part of a stable, friendly and fully engaged multidisciplinary team of over 30 clinicians.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage emergency and critical care cases during overnight hours
• Provide high-quality clinical care for hospitalised patients
• Make sound clinical decisions with support from colleague ECC vets and RVNs
• Work collaboratively with the wider day referral team for complex cases
• Contribute to the night team's culture of excellence and mutual support

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon with genuine interest in emergency and critical care
• Confident, experienced practitioner or capable all-rounder who enjoys the variety of out-of-hours work
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary night team
• Full support and structured handover processes are in place, so prior ECC experience is beneficial but not essential

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate from £60 per hour, depending on experience
• Exceptional work-life balance with 7 on / 21 off rota
• Strong night team support: another ECC vet, two night RVNs, and auxiliary staff
• Modern, well-equipped hospital with CT, high and low flow oxygen therapy (Vapotherm), Mindray D30 defibrillator, environmentally controlled ICU enclosures, POCUS, endoscopy
• Access to a collaborative ECC team including 5 ECC vets with residency-trained head of department
• Opportunity to develop ECC skills with supported CPD
• Positive, respectful culture with genuine value placed on night vets
• Nearby accommodation available during working stints

About the Practice

Vets4Pets' Colchester Advanced Veterinary Practice is a modern, purpose-built 24-hour referral hospital with a dedicated Emergency and Critical Care team. The practice operates with a strong collaborative culture and a multidisciplinary team of over 30 clinicians. The ECC department includes 5 vets (residency-trained head of department, advanced practitioners and certificate holders) with two ECC vets rostered daily for good coverage during peak hours.

The facility is extensively equipped for emergency and critical care, including advanced diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. The practice is part of the Vets4Pets group.