Chestergates Veterinary Specialists appoints new surgical specialist

Chestergates Veterinary Specialists has strengthened its surgical team with the appointment of Matthew Smith as a specialist in small animal surgery.

Smith joins the referral hospital, which is part of the CVS Group, adding capacity in orthopaedic and soft tissue procedures for veterinary practices across the North West of England.

He is recognised as both an RCVS and EBVS European specialist in small animal surgery and brings experience from referral and primary care practice.

Smith graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2005 and began his career in mixed practice before specialising in small animal surgery. 

He later completed the ESVPS Certificate in Small Animal Surgery in 2012 and the RCVS Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice in 2015, achieving RCVS advanced practitioner status the following year. 

In 2018, he joined a North West referral hospital to undertake a residency in small animal surgery and became a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2022.

At Chestergates, Smith will accept referrals for both orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery, with a focus on increasing surgical referral capacity and reducing waiting times for advanced procedures.

With the appointment, Chestergates now has four specialist surgeons. The hospital will continue to invest in specialist staff and facilities as demand for advanced veterinary care grows.

Smith said: “I’m thrilled to join Chestergates Veterinary Specialists. Having worked with members of the team previously, I know the hospital’s reputation for clinical excellence and collaborative care. I’m passionate about supporting colleagues in practice and delivering the highest standard of surgical treatment for patients.”