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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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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.