A MALTON equine hospital has been boosted by £1 million of investment to revamp its practice.

Work is under way at Rainbow Equine Hospital on a purpose-built surgical and intensive care facility to house two new operating theatres at its site at Rainbow Lane.

As part of the hospital’s expansion over the next 12 months, the plans also include a dedicated isolation unit with stabling for six equine inpatients, a new reception building and offices for vets and administrative staff.

The expansion, which has been in the pipeline for 18 months, will see the recruitment of additional vets, veterinary nurses and yard staff.

Rainbow Equine Hospital clinical director Jonathan Anderson said: “We are excited about the work because it will enable us to continue to develop our state-of-the-art equine surgical facility, as well as giving us more working space to house horses, vets and administrative staff.

“It will mean an even more comfortable working environment with additional examination rooms and offices and, surgically, we can be more efficient.

“Presently only one surgeon can be in theatre at one time. We have to juggle elective and emergency procedures throughout the day.

“With the additional theatres, we can crack on with multiple surgeries at one time and be able to offer surgical referrals quickly and efficiently. It is an exciting development and we are looking forward to its completion in early 2019.”

The expansion has been committed to by investment from York-based VetPartners, a veterinary group that includes some of the UK’s most respected and trusted small animal, equine and production animal practices.

Rainbow became the latest equine practice to join the rapidly expanding group in August.