New PDSA pet hospital opens its doors
New pet hospital desperately needed as demand soars by one-third in five years.
Thousands of Wearside pets can breathe a sigh of relief today as leading veterinary charity, PDSA, opens the doors of its brand new £1.6 million pet hospital in Sunderland. The state-of-the-art facility, located on Hepworth Road, Sunderland, is being funded by public donations following a massive upsurge in demand for the charity’s services, which are being stretched ‘to the very limit’.
The new facility is officially known as the Sunderland PDSA PetAid hospital, the Reay Hudson Centre; so-called after a major donation to the fundraising appeal from the late Derek Reay Hudson, a benefactor with historical links to the north east.
The opening day is being marked by the appearance of several well-known local figures, among them renowned agony aunt, Denise Robertson and Sunderland goalkeeping legend Jimmy Montgomery.
Denise says: “As a pet owner and animal lover I know just how much love and companionship pets bring into our lives. In return it’s vitally important that we treat them well and protect them from sickness and injury.
“So I’m thrilled to be present at this wonderful new pet hospital on this historic opening day. PDSA does a fantastic job for local pets and their owners, but their task has become even more challenging in recent years. The difficult economic climate means that, through no fault of their own, many more households are now turning to PDSA for help when their beloved pets are sick and injured.
“This new facility means that this vital charity will be here for local pets for many more years to come. Well done PDSA and well done to everyone who has supported them!”
The veterinary team at Sunderland PDSA PetAid hospital sees around 8,000 local pets every year. Since 2006, this has risen by 34%. Treatment provided ranges from consultations and routine procedures to major life-saving operations.
Pet owners who live within the hospital’s catchment area can register with PDSA if they are in receipt of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit. Treatment for sickness or injury is free, though owners are always asked to make a contribution towards the cost of care. ‘Preventive’ treatments, including microchipping, neutering and worming are charged for.
PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Sunderland is Ian McClive. Commenting on the new hospital, he said: “This is a very special day for the local PDSA team and the thousands of pet owners we help every year. We are deeply grateful for everyone who has supported our hospital appeal, including every individual donor, local businesses, charitable trusts and our friends in the media. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, added: “This charity is now ninety three years old and our mission has never been more important.
“Times are hard for many people but they still care deeply for their beloved pets. That’s why it’s so vital that we are here and able to provide a first-class veterinary service in modern, well-equipped surroundings. Our commitment and quality of care has never wavered, but this superb new hospital can only create a more comfortable experience for the pets we treat and the owners we support.”
To support PDSA’s new hospital building programme, visit:
www.pdsa.org.uk/build
06/12/2010
Pauline and Ian Dodds, of Usworth, Washington, with pet Darcy - who was helped by the PDSA.
