A VETS’ practice is expanding with the opening of a new £400,000 clinic to boost its pet care service.

Westway Veterinary Group’s new practice in Houghton-le-Spring opens later this month after the transformation of a disused council administration block into a well-equipped modern, vibrant surgery.

As well as three consulting rooms, the new practice at Houghton Business Centre, in Lake Road, will include full surgical and operating facilities, separate dog and cat wards and kennels to reduce feline patient stress.

There will also be a separate ward for exotics species, including rabbits, and an in-house laboratory to speed up blood tests.

Other new equipment includes digital x-ray, dental x-ray and ultrasound.

The new practice will remove the need for clients to travel to vets’ hospitals near Pelton, and Newcastle for surgery and key services.

Westway will close its existing branches at Shiney Row, Seaham and in Newbottle Street, Houghton, with the transfer to the new site.

Westway Vets head veterinary nurse Emma Walls has been involved with the project from the beginning and will join an experienced team of 15 vets and nurses at the new practice.

Emma said: “This is a really exciting project for us as we are creating a brand new facility with modern facilities and the latest equipment so we can provide a great service for clients and the best possible care for our patients.

“It will be so much more convenient for clients and poorly patients will not have to be transported further afield unless hospitalisation is required.

“Being able to keep cats and dogs completely separate is a huge benefit. Cats can become stressed by the noise and smell of dogs so having separate facilities will keep them calm, which means they are easier to handle and examine.

“It will also be a great place for our team members to work, with modern, new equipment and lots of space across two floors.”

The new practice is part of a £400,000 investment by VetPartners, the larger veterinary group of which Westway Vets is a part.

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