North Downs Specialist Referrals (NDSR)

Amazing place, so much expertise under one roof. Thanks to Susanna and all the nurses, my boy has beaten the odds and survived. Forever grateful for the exceptional care and support.

This has been a mixed experience.

Vet (Hannah) - very caring, very approachable. Knowledgeable and thorough. 5* for her.

Premises - cool (it’s summer), airy, lots of seating, quite nice. Tons of receptionists - never ever seen so many in one place. Don’t seem to be doing all that much though and on the whole, they were a bit rubbish at getting my inquiries sorted. Not as warm/welcoming as other receptionists I have met in many other vet surgeries - they could do with working on that area.

Insurance Admin - very focused on getting paid and not flexible or helpful. Actually have been somewhat obstructive in their behaviour in relation to sending invoices and patient history to the insurance company and I immediately felt there was a hostile atmosphere from one staff member. They do offer a ‘direct claim’ service whereby you pay a down payment of £500 plus admin costs (£45) and then they liaise with the insurance company. They are very keen to push this option, but not keen on making contact with the insurance company otherwise. It does feel a bit as though they are trying to make more money. I have never really come across a vet practice where you get charged additional costs for them to send paperwork to the insurance company.

Client Care Manager Jen - very different from insurance admin - pleasant and helpful. I felt that she was very good at her role.

Prices - yes they are steep, but that’s to be expected. Do ask if you can get routine things like blood tests or scans done at your local vet, because for me, this was 3x cheaper.

Getting there - some single lane windy country roads - sometimes a hairy experience, but since there’s no other way there, just make sure you have your headlights on and take it easy in case you need to slow down suddenly. Very small sign indicating you have arrived - blink and you’ve missed it.

Obviously if you need a vet specialist then you would need to go here or Fitzpatrick’s, but the inflexibility/obstructiveness is a problem in my view and mars and otherwise excellent practice.

This place is second to none. The Great Dr Rodolfo is an amazingly beautiful talented man - as are Maria, Hannah, Daniella, Dan, Becky, to name just a few I remember and am aware of - thank you all.

NDSR's motto of Committed to Excellence, isn't just a motto!

Emily and I know.

Thank you, Rodolfo and team. Xx

Edit: Photos added - Emily thanks you too.

Very welcoming practice. We saw a Dermatologist.
She was very thorough. listened and explained in great detail her findings and how to go forward with it. Such a relief after endless frustrating vet trips all saying different things and costing an absolute fortune.

Received excellent service at NDSR. Very knowledgeable, attentive and kind staff. They showed a great deal of care when looking after my lovely dog, kept in constant contact and fixed him right up. Very thankful to Rachel Perry and her whole team.

Very nice people, very kind and attentive to Pasha. His first time as blood donor, was calm through all the procedures. Wonderful atmosphere whole experience good. Hope more dogs over 25kl are taken to help the bank.

Without doubt the wonderful vets saved my Frenchie’s life, she was carried in and was in extreme pain. She was operated on the same afternoon for a slipped disc. Two days later she was discharged and could walk. Aftercare was excellent, all staff were caring. I cannot thank them enough. She has completely recovered.

North Downs was a referral, admittedly, when I received a call from the receptionist, they where pleasant but very businesses minded.
So I had my concerns if they would be systematic to my dogs needs. But a have to say once I had attended my appointment I met a wonderful caring understanding vet called Sofia Ramos. I have been blessed to be dealing with her, she has taken me through all the stages in great detail, my Wally loved her which I have to say he goes to no one most times. And she calls for updates.she has gone above and beyond I would have absolute no hesitations at all to recommend. She is a credit to North Downs