In 2015, Ola Jankowska achieved her dream of running her own veterinary practice and living by the sea. In the last eight years the practice has become what we feel is something quite unique. 

Ola has taken her commitment to animal welfare to a new level, building a community based on respect, trust and a commitment to honesty and kindness. We wanted to celebrate this by sharing our personal experiences of how it feels to be a part of the Blackwater Vets team. 

Wendy – Senior Receptionist and Vet Assistant 

I started working at Blackwater Vets in November 2013; I enjoyed my job and loved working with the team. When Ola bought the practice in 2015 she brought with her a whole new ethos. This came with very mixed reviews and to be honest at first even I was very unsure of how this would work in Mersea. 

Ola explained why she wanted to own her own practice and put these protocols into place. Wow! What a light bulb moment. Suddenly everything made sense and I couldn’t wait to continue working with her. That was eight years ago, a lot has changed since then but our principles remain the same. 

Over the years, my relationship with Ola has become stronger and she is my employer but more importantly, my friend. As we go through life people will come and go but when you have a strong bond with someone they remain your friend for life. 

Holly – Receptionist and Veterinary Nurse Assistant 

Ola gave me my first big break in working at a veterinary practice after years and years of trying! Her passion and enthusiasm for pet welfare really stood out to me and I knew I’d made the right decision in joining the Blackwater Vets team instantly. 

Ola is one of the kindest people I have ever met; one Winter, my heating had stopped working at home and Ola offered me to stay at her house until it was fixed.

I feel so grateful to be part of the team here; despite the challenging and often heartbreaking work we do, we always ensure we keep a positive mindset and have a good laugh. 

Ashleigh – Student Veterinary Nurse 

I started working for Ola in 2019, this was my first experience of working in the veterinary industry, four years later I am months off becoming a qualified veterinary nurse. This is something I could not have done without Ola’s knowledge, support and kindness. Despite the challenges this industry entails, Ola has created a warm, friendly environment that I feel very lucky to be part of. 

On a personal note, Ola is someone who I know I can always rely on. Being an owner of a cat with a chronic health condition, there have been many occasions where I’ve called upon Ola’s knowledge. She is always on the other end of the phone or will come into the practice no matter what time or day. Despite her long working hours, she always makes herself available to us when needed. 

Rachael – Registered Veterinary Nurse 

I will always be thankful to Ola for accepting me into such a wonderful, supportive team when I needed it the most. Her kindness and encouragement has allowed my confidence to build over the two years I’ve worked with her and has given me space to improve both my professional and personal skills.  

Mandy – Receptionist and Veterinary Nurse Assistant 

Like most people, we join the veterinary industry because of our love and compassion for animals, but I chose my position of Receptionist and Nurse Assistant, because I care for both the owner and their pet. Being a pet owner I’ve experienced the kindness and support from Ola when I needed it, whether it was reassurance with my bunny or dietary requirements for my dog. 

Paula – Practice Consultant 

I have huge admiration for Ola’s innate kindness and passion but also bravery in standing up for what is morally right no matter how much resistance or bad press she might receive for doing so. And Ola’s refusal to euthanise healthy animals is something that I greatly admire about her.  

It is such a pleasure to work with Ola and her team; I have spent my career in the veterinary industry, and I have never met a vet who is so focused and committed to welfare and wellbeing for both pets and people. Ola is clear that her passion is not only on ensuring pets are well physically but also that their emotional needs are also considered. 

We wish all our clients and pets of Mersea Island a very happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas.