VRCC

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VRCC - Europe’s most advanced centre for veterinary oncology

VRCC, a veterinary referral cancer and critical care centre based in Basildon, Essex, provides pet owners and veterinary surgeons with specialist oncological surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The practice has made a significant investment in sophisticated technology systems making it the most advanced private centre for the treatment of cancer in dogs and cats in Europe. VRCC is the only private practice with its own Linear Accelerator (LINAC) on-site. This device delivers a uniform dose of high-energy x-rays to the site of the patient’s tumor, destroying the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissue. With the LINAC linked to a CT Scanner, VRCC is unique in offering Definitive Radiotherapy treatment including the treatment of brain and lung tumours.

VRCC is also the first in the UK to be able to offer a Canine Melanoma Vaccine, previously only available in USA. The vaccine is used to treat oral tumours and, in tests, has helped to extend the life of dogs with advanced symptoms from less than five months to over a year.

The practice is headed by Dr Susan North, the most experienced and highly-qualified Veterinary Oncologist in the UK and the only qualified Veterinary Radiation Oncologist in England. Practice Director, Malcolm Holland says, “Our specialists are recognised experts in the UK, Europe and USA, and staff come from all over the world to work with us. We have recognised European training programmes for four Residents and currently support six Interns.”

Choosing Essex as a base was a carefully considered option according to Malcolm Holland.

“We lived in Newmarket at the time,” he explains, “However, all our research showed that we need to be within easy reach of London and the M25 because 5.2 million dogs live inside the M25. About half the country’s population of cats and dogs can be with us quite quickly. The choice was Guildford or Basildon. Both had what we wanted but we could not afford to establish this new business in Surrey where costs are so much higher. Essex offers really good value for money.”

“Transport links in Essex are excellent and are improving all the time,” he adds. “Although we chose Essex for its strategic location close to our main catchment area in London, the centre is convenient for customers from all over the UK, Ireland and Europe.”

VRCC has grown dramatically since its formation some six years ago, as Malcolm Holland explains, “We were a new business, in new premises with a new staff of just six people. Today VRCC is a £2m business with over 40 staff, offering the best veterinary cancer treatment outside the USA.”