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Fitzpatrick hospital rebrands following management buyout
AURA Veterinary will continue to focus on animal oncology, soft tissue surgery, international radiology and internal medicine.
The Oncology and Soft Tissue Hospital is now AURA Veterinary. 

Fitzpatrick Referrals Oncology and Soft Tissue Hospital in Guildford, has been rebranded as AURA Veterinary following the completion of a management buyout. 

The buyout has been led by clinical director Nick Bacon and senior clinician Dr Laurent Findji - who have led the team since the hospital's launch in 2014 - together with Dr Jonathan Bray and Dr Gerard McLauchlan.

Founder Professor Noel Fitzpatrick will continue to lead Fitzpatrick Referrals Orthopaedics and Neurology and Fitzpatrick Referrals Institute for the Restoration of Skeletal Tissue in Eashing, Surrey. 

Professor Noel Fitzpatrick said: “I am proud of everything and everyone who has been part of the journey over the last seven years. It is a world-class hospital with an unrivalled team and the foundation we have built together is incredible. 

“The time is now right for the team to embark on the next part of their journey - allowing me to also go forward and focus my passion, energy and time at Fitzpatrick Referrals Orthopaedics and Neurology and lead that team into its exciting new phase. I know Nick and Laurent and all the team will continue to drive forward the vision we started out with, to provide hope and solutions to animals and their families.” 

In a statement, AURA Veterinary said that it will continue to take the hospital forward with the financial backing of a small team of external investors. It added that it will continue to focus on animal oncology, soft tissue surgery, international radiology and internal medicine.

Under the new management team, AURA Veterinary also has plans to invest in its team, equipment, scientific innovation and research, the statement read. 

Professor Nick Bacon said: “It was a wonderful opportunity to be involved with a hospital like this from the very beginning, and it’s exciting to be part of its new chapter. Laurent and I are hugely grateful to Noel for his vision in creating the hospital, which is unparalleled in the level of care, skill and innovation our team can provide for our patients. We look forward to the growth and success of AURA Veterinary.”

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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.

 

Click here for more...
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.