Pets to access new state-of-the-art facilities as Boldon veterinary service undertakes £2.5m expansion
A new out of hours service is also being launched
More out of hours help, improved access to MRI scans, and extra intensive care and rehabilitation support for poorly pets are on the way in the North East, as a referral vets expands its specialist centre in Boldon.
Bridge Referrals Limited, based at Boldon Business Park, is moving into a second unit next door to its current site. For pet owners the change means more appointments, more space for complex cases, and more specialist facilities, all of which will “make a crucial difference when a loved furry friend needs urgent care”.
A key part of the plans is the launch of a new out-of-hours service via a separate company called Emergency Vet Team. It will give local veterinary practices access to trusted emergency cover overnight and at weekends, helping ensure pets can be supported when regular surgeries are closed.
Another major upgrade is a new MRI scanner which will see Bridge Referrals bring scanning fully in-house. At the moment, the centre shares access to a travelling MRI service one day a week, but having a permanent on-site MRI suite will allow scans to be offered more widely, supporting quicker diagnosis and treatment planning for complex conditions.
The expansion will also add a dedicated Intensive Care Unit (ICU), additional treatment rooms and a rehabilitation department with a hydrotherapy treadmill, supporting pets as they recover after surgery or injury and helping them regain strength and mobility.
Bridge Referrals provides advanced referral treatment for small animals and works with veterinary practices across the North East. As the service has grown, it has also started receiving referrals from further afield, including the Scottish Borders, North Yorkshire and Cumbria and now supports around 132 referring practices.
Emma Mace, Director at Bridge Referrals, said: “When a pet is unwell, owners want answers quickly and they want to know help is there when they need it. Expanding into the unit next door means we can see more pets, add dedicated intensive care and rehab space, and bring MRI fully in-house so scans are available more widely than they are today.
“We’re also really pleased to be launching an out-of-hours service to support local vet practices, because it helps make sure pets can get the right care overnight and at weekends.”
The project is being backed by Lloyds through a £2 million business loan to fund the fit-out of the second unit, alongside £540,000 of finance to purchase the MRI scanner.
Stuart Harper, Relationship Director, Healthcare at Lloyds Bank, said: “For pet owners, it’s reassuring to know specialist support is available quickly, especially out of hours. Bridge Referrals’ expansion will mean more appointment availability, improved access to MRI diagnostics and dedicated intensive care and rehabilitation facilities, helping more pets across the region get the treatment they need.”
Due to be completed by October 2026, the expansion is set to create 50 new jobs.