PATIENTS at a newly opened hospital in the Cotswolds were oblivious to the fact they had an important visitor in their midst last week.

Prime Minister David Cameron had stopped by to officially open Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital as its new premises and enjoyed a tour of the building with vet Martin Whitehead, who is one of the practice's directors.

Mr Cameron met staff and that day's patients. He also checked on the progress of a tortoise, gecko and armadillo in the exotic animal ward.

He then unveiled a plaque commemorating the occasion stating he was impressed with the facilities on site and saying the Chipping Norton area was fortunate to have a veterinary practice equipped and working to such a high standard.

Chipping Norton vets moved in February from their previous premises in Albion Street to their new, much larger, purpose-built veterinary hospital in Banbury Road. It is accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as Tier III, the highest standard of veterinary practice.

The new building provides separate waiting areas for cats and dogs, four consulting rooms, two dog wards, secure outdoor runs for canine in-patients, a cat ward, an exotic-animal and ‘small-furries’ ward, a comprehensive in-house diagnostic laboratory, digital radiography, ultrasonography, a selection of endoscopes, full dental facilities including dental radiography, two operating theatres and a range of equipment for monitoring patients under anaesthesia.

There is also a dog groomer on site. As well as ministering to the areas pets, the practice deals with all species, including farm animals, horses, camelids, game birds, falconry birds and backyard poultry, and has particular expertise in exotic species and zoo animals, hence the armadillo.

Although the veterinary hospital itself is finished, a planning application has been submitted to build a specialised cat treatment unit and a boarding cattery.