A VETINARY practice in Irvine has opened its doors once again - after two years of closure.
Collier and Brock Vets had been temporarily closed since July 2021 following the retirement of two senior members of the veterinary team.
However with four vetinary nurses now able to serve Irvine, a larger team than it had previously, the practice will be able to open for three days a week.
Mara Artuffo Binning joined this summer as clinical director, having previously held same the role at a small animal practice in Glasgow.
Experienced vets Aleksandra Strain and Megan Leggo have also bolstered the veterinary team alongside senior vet Susan McFarlane while another vet is also due to join in November.
They will all work with the dedicated veterinary nurses at Collier and Brock Vets’ branch in Irvine and its main site in Troon.
It is hoped that the expanded team will allow clients to benefit from better appointment availability at the branch - which has onsite parking as well as disabled and pram access.
The first-opinion small animal practice is now open again from Tuesdays to Thursdays, and there are plans to offer appointments throughout the week in the near future.
And there will be more than just a change of staff visible from how the vets looked over two years ago.
The Irvine branch has two consultation rooms and one operating theatre and offers all routine treatments and surgery, such as microchipping, vaccinations and neutering, as well as check-ups and more complex procedures.
And the refreshed site boasts a new X-ray unit to offer enhanced diagnostic services while the veterinary team is also on hand to provide advice about pet health and behaviour.
Practice manager Elizabeth Frew said: “This is a really exciting time for us. We have very loyal Irvine clients. They have remained with Collier and Brock Vets and have been coming to us in Troon instead during the temporary closure, and we really appreciate their continued support.
“Clients have been really patient, but they are very happy that we have opened again - it is as if all their Christmases have come at once!
“We are delighted to be opening our doors again to clients and look forward to delivering an outstanding service and care to our patients. Having a larger team also means clients will now benefit from more appointments.”
While new clinical director Mara added: “This is a beautiful part of the world in which to work and I am delighted to have joined Collier and Brock Vets. It’s an exciting time for us all, and I have had a lovely warm welcome from both colleagues and clients.”
The Irvine branch, which welcomes clients from the town and surrounding areas, is open from 8.30am to 6pm, from Tuesday to Thursday.
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