Downland Veterinary Group

The DVG was formed in 1978 from the practice then known as Watson and Partners. The original practice was established in 1946, and so 1996 was the year of our half centenary. Throughout these years the practice has been renowned along the south coast for the high quality of its service to the community, and for the equally high standards of veterinary work carried out by its members.

The DVG consists of four Partners - Rick Grose, David Vawer, Alan Vinnicombe, and Paul Tucker - who are supported by nine full time assistants, as well as part time and locum help, and more than forty lay staff. They work at three major centres, and two smaller branch surgeries.

The smallest of the three main branches is the original practice in Chichester. The work here was, until the end of April 1999, that of a traditional mixed practice. However, from the First of May 1999 the Stirling Lodge practice joined the other branches in becoming completely companion animal orientated. Alan has two full time assistants at Chichester to support him, and most of the main administration of the practice is carried out there.

The Premises at Bognor Regis are a Registered Veterinary Hospital. Paul is in charge here leading a very able team of three more full time 100% Small Animal Veterinary Surgeons and well trained lay staff. The Bognor Hospital also provides the staffing of the branch surgery at Barnham. The Bognor Hospital has recently completed an extensive modernisation and expansion program to further enhance their already first rate service to the local community.

The largest of the three main branches is at Emsworth. The Park Vale Clinic is the domain of Rick and David, supported by a further four Veterinary Surgeons, and a first rate nursing and administration staff team. Between them they provide a 100% Small Animal service which few can better. The Emsworth facilities are probably the most specialised in the group. Emsworth vets provide the cover for the branch surgery at Leigh Park in Havant. Rick and David often talk about Hospital status, but never seem to get round to registering!