WORK is back underway to turn a vacant Doncaster shopping unit into a new state-of-the-art veterinary practice after a delay caused by the coronavirus shutdown.
Building work had to be suspended in March on plans to convert Kirk Sandall shopping mall in Doncaster into a vibrant, modern veterinary practice for Arundell Vets, with the UK in the grip of the pandemic.
The new facility will boast the latest high-tech equipment, including a digital imaging suite with ultrasound and x-ray, dental room and two operating theatres.
The new practice, which had been due to open in June, is now expected to open in October.
Arundell Vets has been providing veterinary care for 25,000 clients across Doncaster and surrounding areas for 14 years after being established by clinical director Steve Arundell and wife Natalie, who is practice manager. Steve has been caring for the pets of Doncaster since 1996.
The new site will replace its Bennetthorpe practice as its main branch, providing much improved facilities for clients, patients and veterinary team members. Bennetthorpe will remain open, along with its Toll Bar surgery, as satellite branches.
The transformation of the empty building at Kirk Sandall will cost £750,000 and is being funded by VetPartners, the UK veterinary group that Arundell Vets is now part of.
As well as the latest equipment, the new practice will have four consulting rooms, a prep room, two operating theatres, an isolation unit, separate cat and dog facilities and improved parking.
Arundell Vets hopes the new practice will achieve hospital status from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons because of its enhanced facilities and standard of care.
Clinical director Steve Arundell said: “We’re happy that the work is back on track after the unfortunate delay due to the pandemic. We’re looking forward to moving as the new practice will be a massive improvement.
“It will enable us to offer additional services with the new equipment, a better experience for clients coming to the practice with improved parking, and better facilities for in-patients.
“We are moving into a brand new unit at the shopping mall. As it is over one floor, it is much more convenient compared to our current site over several floors. It will create a much nicer place for our team members to work in, so we are a great place to work.”
Arundell Vets employs eight vets, eight veterinary nurses, three animal nursing assistants and seven receptionists across both sites. Most of the Bennetthorpe team will move to the new branch.
For media enquiries, please contact Amanda Little, VetPartners Senior PR and Communications Manager, on 07970 198 492 or email amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk