Veterinary specialists begin work on facilities featuring in-house linac

Southfields Veterinary Specialists has started work on creating a £16 million state-of-the-art building, which is set to be one of the largest referral practices in the UK. The veterinary referral centre will relocate to the 40,000 sq ft purpose-built Essex complex in January 2022.

The multidisciplinary referral centre will continue to offer 15 specialist-led services, including the oncology and radiotherapy service, which will have its own building and reception area and be one of a few centres in the UK to house a new linac system.

As a result of the move, the Southfields team will double in size as more specialists, clinicians and staff are recruited throughout this year.

Managing director Tim Richardson has welcomed the investment by parent company Linnaeus, backed by Mars Veterinary Health, which he said would reinforce Southfields’ status as leaders in the veterinary industry. He added: “The new hospital is a real statement of intent, a clear signal we are committed to delivering a level of excellence in treatment and care second to none.

“The facilities include a cutting-edge imaging suite, comprehensive treatment facilities and a new linear accelerator to assist our illustrious oncology team, which has already seen its status as one of the most experienced in the industry enhanced by the arrival of James Elliott, a renowned specialist in oncology.

“By consulting animal behaviourists and sustainability leads from day one, we can deliver a centre that meets and exceeds the needs of our patients and clients like no other in the UK.”

Lead picture: Southfields hospital director Daniel Hogan, managing director Tim Richardson and clinical director Henry L’Eplattenier outside the new Essex site. Below: A computer generated image of the referral centre.

Published on page 8 of the June 2021 issue of RAD Magazine.