Greencross Vet Hospital officially opens at the University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is pleased to announce the official opening of the Greencross Vet Hospital at its Werribee campus.

In December 2022, the University entered into a lease arrangement for the hospital facility to Greencross Pet Wellness Company, to ensure GP and specialist veterinary services continue to be available to the local community, while supporting University of Melbourne veterinary students clinical education.

The purpose-built, spacious 3000 sqm facility features 14 modern consultation rooms, three state-of-the-art surgical theatres, and specialised wards for high-dependency and intensive care patients. There are also dedicated zones within the hospital for dogs, an exclusive cat only ward including consult rooms, and an area devoted to exotic pets.

Greencross Vet Hospital will feature advanced diagnostic imaging services, providing a full suite of services for animals in the Werribee area. The GP and specialist referral services are available for small animals and exotic pets, with 24/7 emergency services expected to be added in the coming months. Greencross Vet Hospital will also be adding additional specialist services including neurology, oncology and internal medicine.

In addition to meeting the veterinary needs of the community, Greencross Vet Hospital and the University of Melbourne are committed to supporting excellence in academic outcomes for the next generation of vet professionals. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students will gain experience in emergency, critical care, GP, diagnostic as well as building up their skills in client communication.

University of Melbourne Professor Moira O’Bryan, Dean of the Faculty of Science, said: “We are very proud of our Doctor of Veterinary Medicine course and remain committed to ensuring high quality clinical teaching and learning outcomes for our students.

“Partnering with Greencross Vet Hospital will allow our students to experience a significant section of their clinical practice here at Werribee and gain exposure to a broad range of clinical opportunities throughout their placement. We are excited to work together to deliver great service and educational outcomes for our students and the community.”

Greencross’ Vet Services business is led by Chief Operating Officer Dr Michelle Kellaway, a veterinarian and executive who is also passionate about education.

Her team at Greencross is heavily vet led, consisting of veterinarians and veterinary nurses who have years of clinical and specialist emergency experience, some of whom graduated from the University of Melbourne.

Dr Kellaway said: “This is a wonderful milestone and an extremely proud occasion for both Greencross Pet Wellness Company, University of Melbourne, the cohort of Veterinary Medicine students and the pet community in and around Werribee.

“Clinical placements are an important part of training for all veterinary professionals. We are thrilled that through our partnership with the University of Melbourne, Greencross veterinarians and vet nurses are able share their experience and knowledge with the next generation.”