
STORRINGTON – your local AVG hospital.
Exceptional care, on your doorstep
A warm welcome awaits you and your pet at our Storrington hospital, in the heart of the village. Our hospitals are equipped to deal with (almost) anything. But more than that, you’ll feel supported and cared for. As one of our two hospitals, Storrington is a thriving practice, with consultations throughout the day and a large team caring for inpatients and surgical patients behind the scenes. It offers everything from routine care to advanced treatment and round-the-clock emergency and intensive care, all on one site.
Get in touch
Call – 01903 746028
Email – storrington@arunvetgroup.co.uk
Opening hours
Mon-Fri – 8am-7pm
Sat 8.30am-12.30pm
Outside these hours our emergency team is here.
For 24-hour emergencies, call – 01903 746028
Find us
Mill Stream, North Street Library Car Park, Storrington, RH20 4DH
Easy access
We have plentiful free parking in our dedicated area off the library public car park, with direct access from the car park to reception. If you need help getting your pet from the car, call us when you arrive and we will come and help.
Every moment covered
Storrington is one of our two hospitals, so our own emergency and critical care team is here around the clock. Call 01903 746028 at any time. More about our emergency care.

Fully equipped
The friendly ambiance created by our unique interior design will help you feel at home from the moment you arrive. Behind the scenes, your pet will feel cosy and safe in our separate, air-conditioned cat and dog wards. As one of our two hospitals, Storrington holds advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, including:
- A CT scanner and endoscopy for detailed diagnosis.
- Advanced surgery for orthopaedic (bone and joint), laparoscopic (keyhole) and ophthalmic (eye) surgery, including cataract removal.
- A dedicated physiotherapy suite with K-laser therapy and an underwater treadmill to support recovery, rehabilitation and conditioning.
Services available for Storrington clients
As one of our two hospitals, Storrington offers the full range of care in one place, from a routine vaccination to advanced surgery and intensive care through the night.
Everyday care
- Consultations and health checks
- Vaccinations and preventative healthcare
- VIP Care Plan
- Parasite prevention and treatment
- Repeat prescriptions and dispensing
- Puppy and kitten care
- Senior pet clinics
- Nurse clinics
- Weight management
- Behaviour advice
- Travel services (AHCs – Animal Health Certificates)
- End-of-life care
- (Home visits available with advance notice)
Diagnostics and treatment
- On-site blood and urine tests
- Microscopy
- Digital x-ray
- BVA hip and elbow scoring
- Ultrasound
- Anaesthesia with multiparameter monitoring
- Intravenous fluid therapy
- Neutering
- Dentistry
- Routine surgery such as lump removal
- Inpatient care
Advanced and emergency
- 24/7 emergency and critical care on site*
- Advanced internal medicine investigations*
- Accredited eye scoring*
- Ophthalmic surgery, including cataract removal*
- Advanced orthopaedic surgery*
- CT imaging*
- Endoscopy*
- Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery*
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation*
- Advanced abdominal surgery*
*available to this practice’s clients at its supporting hospitals.
Meet the team at Storrington
The vets, nurses, receptionists and support team you will see when you visit, and the emergency and critical care team behind them.
Matt Gittings
BVetMed PgC (SAS) MRCVS
CEO
Storrington
Matt arrived as a fresh-faced graduate in August 2000 and never left. He fell in love with the practice, and after supportive mentorship from John Cattell, was offered a partnership in 2004 and in 2006 took over ownership.
Away from AVG, Matt is a devoted Dad to his 4 daughters and an interesting fact about Matt is that he was once offered the opportunity to trial for Manchester United Football Club but decided to focus on becoming a vet. Thank goodness he did!
Katie Smith
MA VetMB CertAVP(ECC) MRCVS
Associate Director
Katie is an Associate Director and Veterinary Surgeon at AVG. Alongside her leadership responsibilities, she continues to work clinically and is an Advanced Practitioner in Emergency and Critical Care. After graduating, Katie developed a passion for emergency medicine, achieving her Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care and gaining extensive experience in busy emergency and referral hospitals. She particularly enjoys managing critically ill and injured patients and supporting teams through complex emergency cases.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband and young family.
Jenny Alexander
BVMS PgC (SAM) MRCVS
Clinical Director
Storrington
Jenny graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2011 and is one of our Clinical Directors based at Storrington hospital.
With extensive experience in small animal practice, Jenny is known for her compassionate approach, clinical expertise and dedication to patient care. She has a particular interest in feline medicine and, in 2020, completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Medicine before being recognised by the RCVS as an Advanced Practitioner in this field.
Outside of work, Jenny is kept firmly in line by her cat, Myrtle.
CHRISTIAN DONSWIJK
PGCertSAS MRCVS
Clinical Director
Storrington
Christian qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 2013 and joined AVG in 2017. He is a Clinical Director based at our Storrington hospital and holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Surgery. He is also recognised by the RCVS as an Advanced Practitioner in this field. Christian has a particular interest in surgery and leads our laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery service. He enjoys helping patients through diagnosis, treatment and recovery, with the aim of achieving the best possible outcome for every pet.
Outside of work, Christian enjoys running, cycling and spending time in the garden.
Helen Appelboam
BVetMed BSc CertVOphthal MRCVS
VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGIST
Storrington
Helen graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2001 with degrees in both Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences. After spending time working in South Africa and New Zealand in mixed practice and welfare settings, she returned to the UK and developed a particular interest in ophthalmology. Helen completed the RCVS Certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2011 and holds RCVS Advanced Practitioner status in this discipline. Following more than a decade working at referral level, she joined South Downs Veterinary Referrals in 2023 and is passionate about making high-quality ophthalmology services more accessible to patients and their owners.
Outside of work, Helen enjoys yoga and spending time on the water, either windsurfing or paddleboarding.
Elena Papa
PgC in Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Storrington
Elena graduated from the University of Camerino in 2009 and joined AVG in 2019. Following graduation, she completed a rotating internship, where she developed a strong interest in diagnostic imaging and internal medicine. After gaining experience in general practice and relocating to the UK, Elena further developed her expertise in ultrasound, CT and MRI. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Diagnostic Imaging and is recognised by the RCVS as an Advanced Practitioner in this discipline. Elena enjoys the challenge of complex cases and is particularly passionate about using advanced imaging to support diagnosis and treatment. She is currently furthering her expertise by studying towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Small Animal Cardiology.
Rachel Turner
Veterinary Surgeon
Rachel originally joined South Downs Emergency Vets as a night vet in 2024, before becoming part of our day team at Arun Veterinary Group in June 2026. After qualifying as a Veterinary Surgeon from the University of Liverpool in 2019, she gained experience in general practice before focusing exclusively on emergency and critical care. Rachel has completed a rotating internship at the Royal Veterinary College, followed by an Emergency and Critical Care internship at DWR Veterinary Specialists. She has a particular interest in caring for hospitalised patients and managing emergency cases.
Outside of work, Rachel is a qualified yoga teacher and enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly hiking in the mountains. Having grown up in Scotland, she loves returning north whenever she gets the chance.
Amber Fielder
BVSc MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Storrington
Amber graduated from the University of Surrey in 2023 and joined AVG after gaining experience in a busy veterinary hospital. She has a particular interest in soft tissue surgery and inpatient care and enjoys supporting patients throughout their treatment and recovery. Amber works across several of our sites, including Chichester, Storrington and Westergate, and enjoys the variety that comes with caring for a wide range of patients and building relationships with their owners.
Outside of work, Amber enjoys playing netball, spending time with friends and family, and travelling whenever she gets the opportunity to explore somewhere new.
Lizzie Galligan
BVetMed MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Storrington
Elizabeth graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2017 and joined AVG in 2020. Based at our Storrington hospital, she enjoys the variety that small animal practice brings and values building strong relationships with pets and their owners. After spending the early part of her career in London, Elizabeth made the move to Sussex and has since become a valued member of the team. She is passionate about providing high-quality care and supporting patients throughout every stage of their lives.
Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, Sol, playing tennis, practising yoga and relaxing with her cat, Gremlin.
Sioned French
MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon
Storrington
Sioned qualified from the University of Cambridge in 2017 and spent four years working in Kent, first in mixed practice and then in small animal practice. She moved to East Sussex in 2022 and joined AVG that April. She now divides her time between our Storrington hospital, our Ashington clinic and our charity work.
Sioned enjoys every aspect of practice, but has a particular interest in medical cases and dentistry. Away from work, she loves good food, making the most of the South Downs and our local beaches, and the occasional 5k run.
Becky Dixon-Stubbs
Lead Registered Veterinary Nurse
Storrington
Becky qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2020 and joined AVG in 2021. She was promoted to Lead Nurse at our Storrington hospital in September 2022 before joining the SDVR team as a Referral RVN in June 2024.
Prior to qualifying, Becky completed internships in New Zealand caring for an endangered bird species and at a big cat rescue in Florida, gaining valuable experience working with a wide variety of animals. Becky has a particular interest in anaesthesia and emergency and critical care and holds a Certificate in Anaesthesia.
Outside of work, Becky enjoys cycling and scuba diving. She is also mum to two very naughty cats.
Abbey Rippon
LEAD REGISTERED VETERINARY NURSE
Abbey joined as an RVN in August 2020, shortly after completing her Veterinary Nursing degree. Since May 2023, she has been one of the Lead Nurses at our Storrington hospital. Alongside her leadership role, Abbey enjoys all aspects of nursing, particularly theatre work and caring for inpatients, helping them on their journey back to full health. She is currently undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care Nursing to further develop her knowledge.
Outside of work, Abbey enjoys spending time with her cat Riley, socialising with friends and attending music festivals.
Georgie Johnson
Lead Registered Veterinary Nurse
Storrington
Georgie joined AVG in 2021 after completing her BSc in Veterinary Nursing at the Royal Veterinary College. Since April 2025, she has been one of the Lead Nurses at our Storrington hospital.
Georgie has a particular interest in anaesthesia and diagnostic imaging and has achieved a Postgraduate Certificate in Anaesthesia with ISVPS.
Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the countryside with her dog, Henry, and stopping off for a pub lunch along the way.
Becky Rawlinson
Head of Rehabilitation
Storrington
Becky began her veterinary nursing training at Harper Adams University in 2009, qualifying in 2013 before joining AVG in 2014. After discovering a passion for orthopaedics early in her career, Becky went on to retrain as a Veterinary Physiotherapist, graduating in 2017 and joining the RAMP register shortly afterwards. She now leads our rehabilitation service, supporting post-operative patients, those recovering from injury and pets living with chronic pain, helping them achieve the best possible quality of life.
Outside of work, Becky enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors with her Munsterlander, Remus. She also shares her home with two cats, Merry and Pippin, and has an ever-growing plant collection.
Bethan Birch
HEAD OF NURSING EDUCATION
Storrington
Bethan joined the practice in November 2021 and was quickly promoted to Lead Nurse, before becoming Head of Veterinary Nursing Education in 2022. Bethan has a strong passion for the clinical side of nursing and plays a key role in training the next generation of nurses. As Training Practice Principal and Clinical Coach, Bethan supports student nurses across all six training practices, as well as mentoring their Clinical Coaches.
Outside of work, Bethan is a true country girl and enjoys spending time outdoors with her Beagle, usually finishing with a well earned pub lunch.
Lily Hinch
REGISTERED VETERINARY NURSE & FEAR FREE PRACTITIONER
Storrington
Lily joined our Storrington team as an RVN in 2020. She has keen interest in canine behaviour and is currently working towards a certificate in this area. She also has a strong interest in medical nursing and hopes to gain further qualifications in the future. In 2022, Lily qualified as a Fear Free Practitioner and enjoys using these skills to support nervous patients and help make their visits as stress-free as possible. Lily also runs our Puppy Socialisation classes.
Outside of work, Lily enjoys spending time with her three dogs, her family and exploring the great outdoors.
Jade Ridge
REGISTERED VETERINARY NURSE
Storrington
Jade joined AVG in October 2020, starting at our Pulborough branch before moving to a full-time role at Storrington Hospital. She particularly enjoys inpatient care and is passionate about supporting patients throughout their time in hospital. A trained Clinical Coach, Jade enjoys supporting student veterinary nurses throughout their training and helping them develop confidence in their skills. She is currently gaining further experience in medical nursing and is due to begin a Medical Nursing Certificate in July 2026.
Outside of work, Jade has a silver Bengal cat called Luna. In her spare time, she enjoys country walks, reading and travelling abroad.
Jade Purchase
REGISTERED VETERINARY NURSE
Storrington
Jade joined AVG in October 2023 and is based at our Storrington hospital. She completed her Foundation Degree in Veterinary Nursing in 2019 and enjoys the variety that veterinary nursing offers.
Jade has a particular interest in emergency and critical care and has gone on to achieve a Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care Nursing. She enjoys supporting patients through some of their most challenging moments and helping them on the road to recovery.
Outside of work, Jade has a Corgi and two cats. She enjoys exploring the countryside with her dog and is also a keen baker.
Amelia Pragnell
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Storrington
Amelia qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2020 and has a particular passion for emergency and critical care nursing, as well as complex medical cases. Drawing on her experience in referral practice, she is dedicated to providing attentive, high-quality care to every patient she supports.
Amelia enjoys the challenge and variety that veterinary nursing brings and takes pride in helping patients through some of their most critical moments.
Outside of work, Amelia enjoys spending time outdoors, whether that’s gardening, caring for her growing flock of sheep or exploring the countryside with her Jack Russell, Bernie.
Emily Fairhall
REGISTERED VETERINARY NURSE
Chichester
Emily joined AVG as a Student Veterinary Nurse in 2023 and qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in 2024. Based at our Storrington hospital, she enjoys all aspects of nursing, particularly caring for inpatients, monitoring anaesthetics, assisting with surgical procedures and supporting the South Downs Emergency Vets team. Emily has a keen interest in emergency and critical care nursing and enjoys developing her knowledge in this area, particularly when supporting patients and owners through more challenging situations.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys horse riding, running, cycling and spending time outdoors. She also shares her home with her rescue cat, Caspar, who keeps her thoroughly entertained.
Taylor Hammond
Student Veterinary Nurse
Storrington
Taylor is a Student Veterinary Nurse currently in her third year of training and joined us in November 2025.
She enjoying the fast-paced environment of our busy hospital, where she is gaining a wide range of hands-on experience and continuing to develop her clinical skills.
Taylor is particularly enjoying the opportunity to broaden her knowledge and grow in confidence as she progresses through her training.
Alice Clark
Animal Nursing Assistant
Storrington
Alice joined AVG as an Animal Nursing Assistant in 2022 before beginning her training as a Student Veterinary Nurse in 2024.
Prior to joining the team, Alice completed a Level 3 Diploma in Animal Management at Plumpton College. Having dreamed of becoming a veterinary nurse from a young age, she enjoys all aspects of nursing and has a particular interest in inpatient care. In the future, Alice hopes to complete a Medical Nursing Certificate to further develop her skills.
Outside of work, Alice enjoys baking and country walks. She also has two cats and two dogs who keep her busy at home.
Issy Hillary
ANIMAL NURSING ASSISTANT
Storrington
Issy joined AVG in September 2022 and is one of our Animal Nursing Assistants. She has further developed her skills by achieving a Level 2 Diploma, which she enjoys using alongside her clinical work to support both the team and our patients.
Issy is passionate about animal care and enjoys being part of a busy clinical environment, helping to ensure patients receive the highest standard of care.
Outside of work, Issy enjoys spending time outdoors with her French Bulldog cross Terrier, who was originally rescued as a stray from Greece. She also enjoys playing video games and looking after her growing collection of houseplants.
Rachel Burtenshaw
Animal Nursing Assistant
Storrington
Rachel joined AVG in September 2024 and is based at our Storrington hospital as an Animal Nursing Assistant. She is now training to become a Student Veterinary Nurse and enjoys learning all aspects of patient care, particularly caring for inpatients and assisting in theatre.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys spending time with friends and family, walking her dogs, running and making the most of the outdoors.
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