BASILDON MP John Baron recently visited the new, purpose-built 42,000 sq ft centre in Gardiners Lane owned by Southfields Veterinary Specialists to check out its round the clock facilities which can help lead the care of sick and injured animals across the south of the country.

The completion of the referral centre will reflect a significant £16m investment by Linnaus, one of the UK's leading veterinary practice groups and part of Mars Veterinary Health.

Mr Baron said: "We are a nation of animal lovers. Our veterinary professionals are hugely important and I was genuinely impressed by the scale, facilities and talented clinicians at Southfields. This investment will be of great value to the local community and beyond, and to the animals they care for."

Southfields' Daniel Hogan (pictured above with Mr Baron) added: "It was a pleasure to show Mr Baron around the hospital. It is a real statement of intent, a clear signal we are committed to delivering the very highest level of excellence in treatment and care, and the team here were very pleased to welcome John.

 "We have here one of the best-equipped veterinary centres in, not only the UK, but throughout Europe, with an extensive range of expertise in a wide variety of disciplines all under one roof."