A VETS branch has permanently closed on the Isle of Wight.

The Medina Vets practice, in Bembridge, has sent an email to its customers to break the bad news this afternoon (Thursday).

"Temporarily closed for some time, this small site needs extensive renovation and has limited facilities," the practice said.

"It is due to these factors we have come to the difficult decision it will no longer be possible to re-open Bembridge.

"We appreciate this permanent closure will be disappointing news for regular clients of Bembridge.

"We are very sorry we are unable to continue to offer veterinary services in Bembridge, but hope our Bembridge clients will continue to use our services in Wootton, or at Pet Doctors Ryde.

Continued veterinary care for Bembridge clients' pets

Medina Vets say if you have any concerns about the health of your pet, or you would like to book an appointment for your pet, or for the collection of flea and worming treatment and other medication and food, please call the Wootton branch on 883955.

For Bembridge clients, Medina Vets confirmed their clients’ accounts, along with their pet(s') clinical history will be held within a secure database, accessible at the company's main branch in Wootton.

"This enables us to continue to give care to our clients’ pets, without interruptions or delay," the company added. 

Also, memberships of The Healthy Pet Club will also be held on the same secure database, with account details only accessible by the company's team at Wootton — with their usual discounts and savings available.

Meanwhile, Medina Vets' sister practice, Pet Doctors Ryde, will be relocating to "a large, new, purpose built surgery in a prime location", in Park Road, Ryde.

They will be moving into the old Milmega building, which is being converted into a new surgery, which is due to open within the next six weeks.

It will have ample on-site parking, including disabled access. 

The surgery itself will have four consulting rooms, to allow a greater availability of appointments; a spacious reception with separate waiting areas for cats and dogs, and separate dog and cat hospital wards; a spacious operating theatre with the latest veterinary equipment; a separate dental suite; and in-house laboratory, with digital X-ray facilities.