University of Florida ready to unveil new teaching hospital

Gainesville, Fla. -- The University of Florida will unveil its new $58 million small-animal hospital to faculty, staff, veterinary medical students and the public the week of Oct. 17.

The 100,000-square-foot hospital is triple the size of the current hospital with more exam rooms, larger treatment areas and new space for isolation, hemodialysis and a linear accelerator. A small primary-care veterinary practice will share an entrance with the hospital's 24-hour emergency service.

The hospital began operating at the University of Florida in 1978, just two years after the college of veterinary medicine opened its doors. The new hospital has been in the planning stages since the late 1980s, according to a spokesperson.

Early in the week, the college will host a team-building retreat for small-animal faculty, followed by additional tours for faculty, staff and students. The general public is invited to the hospital for a sneak preview Oct. 24 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. EST.

The hospital opens for service Nov. 1.