There has been a Vet in Ian Batten’s family since 1973 (Gosh! That’s half a century!). His Mother was the original Bondi Vet in Sydney, Australia. She became suspicious that Ian would follow in her footsteps when she found him by the back door at the age of 3 cuddling the local untouchable feral Tom Cat! Ian’s Grandparents bred Cocker Spaniels and his Mum bred Beagles (you’d think a Vet would have more sense. I joke!). His Uncle, Rod is also an awesome Vet (still saving lives south of Sydney) and has been a great influence in Ian’s life too.

Not wanting to ever do anything else (except perhaps become a rock star), Ian graduated with his Bachelor Of Veterinary Science from the University of Queensland in 2002, and dove straight into busy mixed practise (huge thanks to Dave Ahern and Tony Smith for being such wonderful early mentors - both of them genuine Vet Legends!).

Like so many young Aussies, Ian (+ his Mrs) visited the UK in 2006 for a ‘‘short working-holiday’’ but plans changed as they quickly fell in love with the place. They couldn’t leave, and both of them have been working in the local area ever since (further props to Mark Nelson for being an amazing mentor and friend for the last 13 years! Another absolute Vet legend and wonderful all-round dude!).

Ian has 20 years of Surgical and Medical experience and has a special interest in Ultrasonography. He understands the importance of consistent care - it’s not just people that live longer if they always see the 1 Doctor - pets do too!

He feels very blessed to be part of this wonderful CR0 community and hopes to be for (God-willin’) many years to come.

Ash the Vet

Ash Acheson-Wells joined the Elmfield family in 2020, having worked with Ian previously, way back in 2008 (!!).

He originally worked on a farm, but fell in love with small animal surgery/medicine once he started vet school. He is extremely experienced in all aspects of medicine and surgery but has a particular passion and interest in pain-management. He is always looking to make patients more comfortable, whether it be following an injury, an operation or as they reach older age. Keeping our furries comfy, happy and mobile is essential to what we do, and Ash’s knowledge in this area has been amazing!

In his free time, he LOVES to cook, eat and travel (especially to Japan). He speaks German (particularly well after a couple of steins!) and is currently learning Japanese. He and his husband, Chris, live in Purley with their rascally Corgi, Caboose.

Michaela the Vet Nurse

Michaela was Elmfield’s original vet nurse - starting out with Ian back in early 2019. And although she made the move to help the good folk at Battersea Rescue Centre at the start of 2022, this pic stays in her honour….and because it’s hilarious! Haha! Cheers Micky!

Chloe the trainee Vet Nurse

Chloe began her journey at Elmfield Vets as a work-experience student out of Riddlesdown Collegiate. We absolutely loved her, and saw great potential in her caring & kind heart, so we kidnapped her for ourselves. She is currently our Veterinary Nursing Assistant but will soon be starting her training to become a Qualified Veterinary Nurse.

Prior to starting with us, Chloe worked locally at a Canine Hydrotherapy centre which was a great experience but she wanted to broaden her horizons and get more into the hands-on nursing side of things.

She loves all aspects of nursing and we are sure she will find her favourite niche as time goes on. At the moment it’s safe to say that she most enjoys cleaning up poo, the smellier the better. Kidding Chlo, kidding.

In her free time, she loves hanging out with friends and family. And Poppy, her DLH pussy cat makes sure she doesn’t relax too much as she can be VERY cheeky indeed!