Trusted specialist partners for vets and pets throughout Oxford and beyond
Leading surgical specialist, Dr Hannes Bergmann, heads up a skilled, dedicated veterinary surgical team at Oxford Veterinary Specialists. Our team is highly approachable and reliable, and our patient-focused approach means that we are always ready to provide the best service possible. We are available to discuss and help with any orthopaedic, neurosurgery and soft tissue surgery cases.
Origin
Oxford Veterinary Specialists is a new, purpose-built surgical referral centre for dogs and cats. You will find us just outside Oxford a few minutes from the A34 and M420. Our surgeon, Hannes Bergmann, is recognised by the RCVS and the ECVS as a Specialist in Small Animal Surgery (Orthopaedics, Neurosurgery and Soft Tissue Surgery) – the highest level of surgical qualification in the UK and Europe.
About the clinic
The clinic was designed from scratch to maximise the chances of a great outcome for your pet after surgery. Infection after orthopaedic surgery can be catastrophic and our surgical suite has been designed to human operating theatre standards.
Meet the team
Dr Hannes Bergmann
DrMedVet, DipECVS, MRCVS
ECVS and RCVS recognised Specialist in Small Animal Surgery
Hannes graduated from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna in 2001, and was awarded a Doctorate degree for his research in canine pain management at the School of Veterinary Medicine in Hannover. He then went on to receive his surgical training at the University of Berne and became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2008. Hannes holds both the European and RCVS Small Animal Surgery Specialist Status, and has been working at multidisciplinary referral centres for many years. In 2015, he started his own surgical referral service and moved to his new premises in 2023. Hannes is also lecturing on numerous surgical topics in the UK and abroad.
Helen Cox
RVN REVN Registered Veterinary Nurse – Head Nurse
Helen has always been passionate about animals and started her training as a veterinary nurse in a mixed Veterinary practice. She qualified as a small animal veterinary nurse in 1997 and then moved to the equine unit to complete her equine veterinary nursing qualification, qualifying in 2001.
She has worked in a first opinion practice progressing to head nurse role and gained her clinical coach qualification to support student veterinary nurses through their training. Helen then went on to expand her nursing in a referral environment and became clinical lead for OVS at a local practice.
Helen is excited to be part of a dedicated nursing team, helping to lead the team at OVS and provide a gold standard of care to our patients and clients.
She loves working in a surgical environment, being involved in patient care and has a keen interest in anaesthesia.
Helen shares her home with her partner, two beautiful daughters, 2 cats called Tom and Tilly plus her collie cross dog called Topsy. In her spare time, she enjoys riding their horse Chico and going for long dog walks (sometimes the cat will join).
Ella Barnett
Animal Nursing Assistant
Ella is new to the veterinary industry wanting to start a career in Animal care, she is taking on the role of Animal Nursing Assistant, this means when the animals come into our care Ella assists with all things from theatre prep to the care after the procedures are carried out. Ella is kind and caring and all animals love her, a real asset to the team.
She lives locally with her parents and their 2 dogs Ollie and Sox, she also has a horse called Bandit which she hacks with in her spare time.
Jenny Blackburn
RVN Registered Veterinary Nurse
I qualified as an RVN in 2017 and worked in a large fist opinion practice for nine years. I have recently moved to the area and Oxford Veterinary Specialists to move close to family.
During my time as a nurse I have developed a keen interest in diagnostic imaging and it is my aim at Oxford Veterinary Specialist’s to continue developing all my skills including working with X-ray and C.T.
When I am not working, I like to spend my time with my family and our pets at home including our boisterous Sprocker and the many fish as I am a keen aquarium hobbyist. I also have a love of creative hobbies including painting, macrame and hope to soon start learning pottery.
Naomi Spurway
RVN Registered Veterinary Nurse
Naomi qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse at the end of 2025. She worked in a first opinion practice for 3.5 years before joining Oxford Veterinary specialists in 2026, where she discovered her passion for referral nursing and caring for animals with more complex needs.
Jess Richards
Patient Care Assistant
Jess is a Patient Care Assistant with a background in Animal Welfare and Behaviour. She hold a Bachelor’s of Science (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, and a Master of Science (MSc) in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics, and Law. Jess has previously worked in first opinion practices, before moving into referral. She is passionate about delivering gentle, compassionate care and helping every patient feel safe and calm. Although she loves all animals, Jess has a special interest in cat-friendly practises, and is our ISFM Cat-Friendly Advocate. Caring for animals is at the heart of everything Jess does, with lots of pets at home to take keep her busy!
