NEWS24 August 2022
Guildford, Surrey – 22 August 2022 – The clinical team leading Fitzpatrick Referrals Oncology and Soft Tissue has completed a Management Buyout of the Guildford-based animal hospital. The buy-out is led by Professor Nick Bacon, Clinical Director, and Dr Laurent Findji, Senior Clinician, together with Dr Jonathan Bray and Dr Gerard McLauchlan.
Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, who founded the hospital, is handing over the reins to Professor Bacon, Dr Findji, Dr Bray and Dr 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 has plans to invest in its team, equipment, scientific innovation and research, in order to provide the best possible treatment for the animals under their care.
Professor Bacon and Dr Findji are current directors of the hospital and they have led the clinical team since Fitzpatrick Referrals Oncology and Soft Tissue launched in 2014. Drs Bray and McLauchlan have also been a critical part of the hospital’s growth since they joined the team in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Collectively they are some of the most respected clinicians working in the field of animal cancer and interventional radiology worldwide.
Professor Noel Fitzpatrick says: “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.”
Professor 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.”
AURA Veterinary exists to provide exceptional care for animals and families. The team is driven by a commitment and passion to always advocate for animals and the veterinary industry. This includes contributing to the veterinary community, investment in scientific innovation, and the creation of an open, transparent and collaborative culture, both in its hospital and in the wider community. Everything the team does comes from a relentless focus on improving the science and care for animals.
For further information, contact: Professor Nick Bacon, Clinical Director on 01483 668100