Fitzpatrick hospital rebrands following management buyout
AURA Veterinary will continue to focus on animal oncology, soft tissue surgery, international radiology and internal medicine.
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.”
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
