Melbourne University will lease the Werribee U-Vet animal hospital to Greencross Pet Wellness Company, which will establish a veterinary general practice clinic and a 24-hour specialist and emergency hospital from early next year.
Star Weekly reported in November that the university was undertaking discussions regarding the future of the hospital.
Despite four weeks of consultation between U-Vet and Melbourne Veterinary School staff, the university announced its decision to close the hospital on Saturday, December 24, due to a reduced caseload, a fall in revenue, and challenges in the attraction and retention of staff.
Greencross chief executive George Wahby said the pet care company was “excited” to be opening its doors on on January 16 to pet owners and the next generation of vets and vet nurses.
“This new location expands our geographic footprint and is consistent with our strategy of bringing care close to home for our patients no matter where they are,” he said.
“The partnership will ensure convenient access to the most advanced health care and services for pet parents in the…area.”
As the only university in Victoria to offer a globally accredited Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, Melbourne University vice chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell said the university remained fully committed to providing students with necessary clinical experience.
“Our Werribee campus is an important hub for teaching and research, as well as equine specialist care through the Equine Centre,” he said.
“The need for veterinary services in the local area was by far the most common concern during engagement with staff, students, members of the community and other stakeholders.”
While the university is offering counselling services for those affected, it is unclear whether all current staff members will be retained when the hospital re-opens.
“Initially we are focused on redeploying staff from within our network who are experienced and already trained in our operational procedures to ensure our clinical standards are in place for the Greencross Vet Hospital at University of Melbourne and is operational when students return,” a spokesperson for Greencross said.
