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VetPartners announces expansion into Ireland
VetPartners has acquired Westgate Veterinary Hospital in Drogheda.
The York-based group also owns practices across Europe.

VetPartners has announced the acquisition of a practice in the Republic of Ireland as part of its continued expansion.

The York-based group has purchased Westgate Veterinary Hospital in Drogheda, which cares for small and large animals in the counties of Louth and Meath. 

Established in the mid-'80s, Westgate has a team of 35 vets, vet nurses, receptionists and admin. In 2002, the practice opened a second site in Laytown.

The owners of Westgate, John Russell, Simon Rath and William Burgess, will remain as clinical directors.

VetPartners first expanded into mainland Europe in 2019 and currently owns practices in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany and Spain.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.