A NORTH East veterinary practice is expanding with the opening of a new £400,000 clinic to boost the care of pets in County Durham.
Westway Veterinary Group’s new practice in Houghton-le-Spring will open its doors to clients in January after transforming a disused council administration block into a modern, vibrant surgery with the latest hi-tech equipment.
As well as three consulting rooms to see patients and their owners, the new practice at Houghton Business Centre in Lake Road will boast facilities to enhance the health and wellbeing of small animals, including:
- Full surgical and operating facilities;
- Separate dog and cat ward and kennels to reduce the stress of feline patients;
- A separate ward for exotics species, including rabbits;
- An in-house laboratory to speed up turnaround of blood tests.
Clients and their pets will also benefit from investment in equipment, including digital x-ray, dental x-ray and ultrasound.
The new practice will serve their large client base around Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland, Seaham and Shiney Row, and remove the need for them to travel to Westway Vets hospitals at Eden Hill, near Pelton, and West Road in Newcastle for surgery and key services.
Investing in practices and people
The new practice is part of a £400,000 investment by VetPartners.
Westway Vets head veterinary nurse Emma Walls has been involved with the project from the beginning and will join an experienced team of 15 vets and nurses at the new practice.
Emma said: “This is a really exciting project for us as we are creating a brand new facility with modern facilities and the latest equipment so we can provide a great service for clients and the best possible care for our patients.
“It will be so much more convenient for clients and poorly patients will not have to be transported further afield unless hospitalisation is required.
“Being able to keep cats and dogs completely separate is a huge benefit. Cats can become stressed by the noise and smell of dogs so having separate facilities will keep them calm, which means they are easier to handle and examine.
“It will also be a great place for our team members to work, with modern, new equipment and lots of space across two floors.”
For media enquiries, please contact Amanda Little, VetPartners PR and Communications Director, on 07970 198 492 or email amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk
