History of the Practice

Built in 1982, the hospital, with its ample space, carefully planned work areas and high level of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment reflects the aims of the two principals, Peter Best and Martin Pearson, to provide the best possible veterinary services to the Tamworth region.

South Tamworth Animal Hospital has continued to grow and develop into a busy general and referral veterinary practice serving northern New South Wales. The hospital’s commitment to excellence was recognised in 1991 when Peter received the Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association’s Veterinarian of the Year Award. Martin, who joined the practice as a partner in 1997, brought with him considerable expertise after being head of the anaesthesia and intensive care service at the Sydney University Veterinary Hospital for eight years.

South Tamworth Animal Hospital Today

At present, the South Tamworth Animal Hospital team comprises four veterinarians, two receptionists, three full time and four part-time veterinary nurses and a business manager.

 Since 1987, Tamworth TAFE has conducted TAFE Veterinary Nursing, Veterinary Receptionist and Animal Attending courses on the South Tamworth Animal Hospital premises, using the practice as a “teaching hospital”. This arrangement, which is unique among Australian TAFE courses, provides the students with a far greater component of practical experience than would be otherwise possible. All of the full-time nursing and reception staff at South Tamworth Animal Hospital have successfully completed the Veterinary Nursing Certificate course.

 Both Martin and Peter have presented talks and papers at the annual Australian Veterinary Association Conference as well as many other presentations to medical and veterinary groups in Australia and overseas.

 South Tamworth Animal Hospital Services

 STAH offers a full range of medical and surgical services for companion and farm animals including:

• Preventative health care such as vaccinations, heartworm testing and prevention, worming and flea control
• Emergency service, an after hours roster ensures that there is a veterinarian on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Well equipped operating theatre with  modern anaesthetic machines a patient monitoring equipment
• Spinal and intrathoracic surgery surgical facilities
• Advanced orthopaedic equipment including Synthes AO and Ilizarov fixation devices and tools.
• Laparoscopic diagnostic and surgical equipment
• Operating microscope for ophthalmic and micro-surgery
• Cryosurgical apparatus
• Intensive care facilities – ventilators, pulse oximetry, capnography, intravenous feeding, oxygen therapy, intravenous fluid pumps, serum electrolyte and clinical chemistry analysis, blood gas measurement, direct and indirect blood pressure measurement, airway humidifiers, humidicrib, electrical defibrillators, blood bank
• Cancer surgery and chemotherapy available
• A wide range of flexible and rigid endoscopes and arthroscopes
• Electrocardiography
• Respiratory function testing including “flow-volume” loop analysis
• Horse restraint and surgical facilities.
• Two high capacity fixed X-ray machines, one incorporating an image intensifier
• Mobile “capacitace discharge” X-ray machine
• Mobile dual screen image intensifier
• Ultrasound machine incorporating Doppler facilities
• Echocardiography
• Two registered anaesthetic specialists on staff
• Breeding services such as artificial insemination for dogs and horses.
• Dental services for dogs and cats
• Pre purchase examinations
• Visiting specialist ophthalmologist
• Boarding facilities
• Dog and cat clipping and grooming service
• Full range of premium nutrition and skin care products
• Puppy pre-school and puppy primary school.