Sudden closure of veterinary clinic upsets clients as pet records are transferred without notice

Dr Andrew Baker has suddenly closed his Animal Medical Centre in Fiu Yiu Lane behind Centro. Dr Karly Lam, the young vet featured in BUZZ twice recently, confirmed this after we were advised by an unhappy client, Jill Lessiter.
“Everyone is shocked by the lack of advance warning and very angry that pets’ records have been transferred to Sai Kung Animal Hospital without prior consultation,” Jill, who has been the clinic’s client for more than 12 years, wrote. “Clients have been let down and Andrew clearly knew that closure was coming, so he should have informed everyone their pets’ records were being transferred to another practice.”

BUZZ has tried several times to call Dr Baker, but he has not responded.
Dr Karly was one of the vets working at the Fiu Yiu Lane clinic. “I had no idea. There was no notice. I was still on annual leave so didn’t close the clinic. Other vets let me know by email.”
Karly said Andrew Baker, who lives at Yung Shue O, employs about 20 vets in his chain of clinics, now numbering six. She has not been fired, remains on contract and expects to be assigned to another AMC clinic when her holiday is over. Karly, a vet at AMC for two years, said of Andrew: “He’s a good boss — I can guarantee that.”

BUZZ has previously spoken to Andrew about the ups and downs of owning a chain of vet clinics. In a conversation a couple of years ago Andrew told how he had expanded his chain to about 12 clinics, before deciding to down-size to a more manageable and economical level. At the time he said this was a relief. About his lack of explanation to staff, Karly said, “I think it is a hard time for him.”
The Fiu Yiu Lane clinic was run for some years by Dr Rob Gordon, a large solid Zimbabwean who engendered confidence in his clients. Rob moved a year or so ago to New Zealand with his relatively new bride Stacy Tucker, former owner of Ferndale Kennels.