History of the practice
The initial nucleus of the practice was developed by Dr Jerry Davies and his wife Olivia, then Company Secretary. Services including surgical and imaging referrals, X-ray film reporting, Radiation Protection Advice and CPD provision were run from their home in Greenfield, Bedfordshire.

All clinical work was carried out at a number of existing veterinary practices on a visiting basis. Veterinary Radiology Ltd was incorporated in 1995. As the concept of a dedicated referral practice grew, Richard Whitelock, a former student and colleague of Jerry’s, was undertaking postgraduate training in radiology and, latterly, orthopaedic surgery. They both hoped that once premises could be established they could form the nucleus of a referral practice with great potential. An initial search suggested that it might be possible to adapt an industrial unit on a business park so such sites were investigated.

Jerry called on Mike Thomas, a former school friend and chartered accountant, to offer financial advice. His experience in business property procurement and leasing was also to prove valuable. Mike and Rob White, another former student of Jerry’s, helped formulate the design of the new premises.
Leases on Manor Farm Business Park were negotiated and conversion work began on two barns late in 1997 with the first clinical cases being seen in February 1998. The team was delighted to enlist the help of Dr Clive Elwood to bring medical expertise to their surgical portfolio. The project was immediately successful and by April Clive Elwood started work followed by Richard Whitelock in July.

The practice has expanded rapidly both in numbers of staff and in premises. In 2003 Dr Carolyn Burton and David Thomson were appointed as Directors from the clinical team, Carolyn relinquishing her Directorship in 2005 because of personal commitments but continuing as a surgeon. Rob White left the practice in 2004. Jonathan Bray and Nat Whitley became Directors in 2006 and 2007 respectively. A Management Team is responsible for the day-today running of the practice and comprises the directors and Drs Garosi and Gould.

The practice now occupies nine barns including the recently extended clinical barn, and we have expanded into the upstairs of the consulting room complex providing much needed administration facilities. In 2005 we were able to install our own on-site MRI machine which allowed addition of a de-novo neurology service to our portfolio.

A large house has been acquired on site to incorporate domestic accommodation for six House Officers (veterinary surgeons) and a meeting room.