The Blue Cross appoints director of veterinary services

29 September 2008

Britain’s pet charity, The Blue Cross, has appointed a new director of veterinary services following the retirement of Dick Voigt earlier this year. Christian Bamber MRCVS takes up the post today (29 September 2008), reporting directly to chief executive Kim Hamilton.

As director of veterinary services, Christian will manage the operation of four Blue Cross animal hospitals in London and Grimsby, providing vital veterinary care to the pets of people who cannot afford private vets’ fees. He will also oversee the charity’s outreach work in London, including an animal ambulance service and two community vet nurses who treat the pets of elderly people or those with limited mobility in their own homes.

Kim Hamilton said: "Christian brings a wealth of experience to The Blue Cross and is a great addition to the team. He joins us at an exciting time as we look to the future and we look forward to having him on board."

The Blue Cross veterinary department carried out more than 66,000 consultations, 11,000 operations and 17,000 diagnostic procedures last year alone. And the charity has ambitious plans to extend its veterinary services to reach even more needy pets around the country by teaming up with local vet practices to provide welfare clinics at its animal adoption centres nationwide. Clinics have already been introduced in Bromsgrove, Felixstowe and Tiverton, with another currently under construction in Southampton.

In addition, The Blue Cross has recently extended its successful veterinary grant scheme to subsidise private veterinary care for those who would not otherwise be able to afford essential treatment for their pets. The Blue Cross Veterinary Care Fund is available to any UK pet owner on means tested benefits or a state pension with no other income, and will fund half a million pounds worth of treatment this year alone.

Christian Bamber MRCVS said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining The Blue Cross at such a dynamic and exciting time for the charity and the veterinary department in particular. I look forward to working with the experienced vets, nurses and administrative staff at The Blue Cross animal hospitals to help achieve our goal of supporting the nation’s pets and their owners by providing vital veterinary care to those who could not otherwise afford it."

Christian Bamber qualified as a veterinary surgeon at Cambridge University in 2000 and has recently completed an MBA in veterinary consultancy at the University of Bath. Previously he was senior partner and clinical director for the Town Farm Veterinary Group in Devon before being contracted to start up a new veterinary practice for an Exeter-based veterinary group, one of the largest in the south west.

In 2006, Christian founded his own consultancy business - Christian Bamber MRCVS Ltd - advising on practice management, marketing strategies and training programmes for a range of veterinary clinics both in the UK and overseas.

Christian Bamber will be based at The Blue Cross head office in Burford, Oxfordshire, but he will also retain an involvement in clinical work and travel regularly between the charity’s four animal hospitals and private practice associates.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

· Photos will soon be available on request

· The Blue Cross animal charity provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of small animal and equine adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

· For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

Media contact

Laura Dobson, The Blue Cross senior press officer, 020 7932 4065 / 07917 132 698