The clinical team leading Fitzpatrick Referrals Oncology and Soft Tissue has completed a management buyout of the Guildford-based animal hospital. 

The buy-out was led by Professor Nick Bacon, Clinical Director, Dr Laurent Findji, Senior Clinician, Dr Jonathan Bray and Dr Gerard McLauchlan, who will collectively take the hospital forward with the financial backing of a small team of external investors.

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

Fitzpatrick Referrals Oncology and Soft Tissue is rebranding as AURA Veterinary, continuing to focus on animal oncology, soft tissue surgery, interventional radiology and internal medicine.

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

Noel 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.”

Nick Bacon, Clinical Director, 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.”

Photo: Dr Gerard McLauchlan (standing, back left, in darker scrubs), Professor Nick Bacon, Clinical Director (sitting, front left), Dr Jonathan Bray, (sitting, right), Dr Laurent Findji, Senior Clinician (standing, far right) 

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