A veterinary nurse has been named 'Nurse of the Year 2022'.

Veterinary nurse Christine Fairbairn, who works at Ochardhouse vets in Stocksfield, has won ‘veterinary nurse of the year’ at the 2022 Petplan awards.

The prestigious award ceremony is referred to as ‘the pet oscars’.

The winners were announced on March 24 at the first in-person ceremony held since 2019, at Kimpton Clock Tower in Manchester, hosted by comedian Zoe Lyons of Mock the Week fame.

Upon receiving the award, vet nurse Christine Fairbairn, who has worked at Orchard House Veterinary Centre since 1982,  said: "It's amazing, I'm so happy."

Dr Jill Crawford, Senior Veterinary Surgeon , who also attended the awards with Christine said: 

"The award dinner and ceremony is sponsored by PetPlan, and is a very uplifting evening celebrating the achievements of veterinary staff across the United Kingdom.

"From 20,000 nominations, a panel must decide on 3 finalists in each of 5 categories, so making it to the finals is a huge achievement. 

"A film crew visits each nominee at work and compiles a brief clip showing them at work and hearing from their team why they think the nominee is special.

"The 3 films are shown, then the winner is announced, and we were all thrilled when Christine's name was announced as the PetPlan Veterinary Nurse Of The Year 2020. 

"Veterinary Nurses do so much hard work behind the scenes in many veterinary practices, and it is marvelous that we can shine a light on their work, and that Christine has been recognized for her outstanding contribution."

Isabella von Mesterhazy, head of marketing at Petplan, commented: “The judges had a very tough time picking the finalists in each category this year. As always, the quality of entries has been incredibly high and we’re delighted to have received so many nominations from the veterinary community and indeed pet owners themselves.

“The Petplan Veterinary Awards provide an opportunity to say thank you for the exceptional work carried out by members of the veterinary profession and are particularly special this year now that we are able host the ceremony in-person once again.”