James Stout has joined Linnaeus-owned Paragon Veterinary Referrals in the newly-created role of hospital director
Award-winning Yorkshire animal hospital Paragon Veterinary Referrals has appointed James Stout to the newly-created role of hospital director.
A pharmacist by trade, James joins the Linnaeus-owned centre in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, after a career in human healthcare spanning 25 years.
The 47-year-old joined Boots in 1997 and held a variety of roles over the next 19 years, including working on the shop floor, small store manager, large store manager, area manager and head office.
He then joined Rowlands Pharmacy, holding area and regional manager roles over the next five years.
James said: “I was looking for a change professionally and I am delighted to be joining Paragon.
“My early observations are leading a vet hospital is similar to leading a pharmacy. You are managing a client-focused service with professional obligations, which is something I’ve done for a long time.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how I can add value in an established organisation.”
Paragon opened its doors in February 2018 and has since added specialists across nine disciplines, including renowned cardiologist Chris Linney and US-boarded oncologist Rodney Ayl.
James’ new role will see him working alongside clinical director Sophie Adamantos and hospital manager Debra Scuffham to further develop the services on offer at the practice.
He said: “While I have latitude in my role, there’s no point in me telling Sophie and Debra how to run a vet hospital – they do a brilliant job and that’s their area of expertise.
“My role will be looking at how we can develop our services, increase our reach and ultimately deliver even better client care.”
Originally from Stockton-on-Tees, James now lives near Sheffield with his wife and two children.
Outside of work, he enjoys walking his Cocker Spaniel Paddy, sits on the board of governors at his children’s school and volunteers at his local rugby club.
Paragon’s multi-disciplinary care includes anaesthesia and analgesia, cardiology, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics and soft tissue surgery.
For more information on Paragon Veterinary Referrals, visit: www.paragonreferrals.co.uk or search for Paragon Veterinary Referrals on social media.
