A PRIVATE health clinic in Newport which carried out cosmetic surgery and gastric band operations went into administration yesterday with the loss of 25 jobs.

Nucleus Healthcare Limited, trading as Celtic Springs Clinic said numerous attempts to solve cashflow pressures were unsuccessful.

A special helpline 01633 815900 has been set up for patients who were due to have surgery at the clinic on Celtic Springs Business Park.

It specialised in operations on the digestive system and associated disorders, also known as gastroenterology.

News of the closure comes just two months after managing director Ewout Mante spoke of ambitious plans for its services with a growing team of top-flight consultants.

A champagne reception in August, which Mr Mante was due to attend, celebrated the relaunch after Nucleus was acquired by US family-owned private equity company Palm Ventures.

The clinic’s website said renowned cosmetic surgeon Miles Berry was going to provide breast enlargement operations, eyelid surgery, liposuction and cutting edge laser treatment.

But following “numerous attempts at turnaround and sale,” the business could not be saved, a spokesman for the administrators said.

Staff carrying boxes and pieces of paper left the office yesterday lunchtime.

Two women were seen to hug in the doorway where a security guard was preventing entry.

One worker, who did not want to be named, said staff were called into a meeting and told they were being made redundant. “We are very upset,” she said.

Joint administrators Andrew Pear and Michael Solomons of BM Advisory LLP, have been appointed.

“Following our appointment, the principal concern is, of course, ongoing patient care and we are working closely with all relevant parties, including the healthcare regulator and other clinics to ensure that all patients receive the necessary support, treatment and high standard of care they require,” Mr Pear said.

Administrators will try to sell the ten-bedroom clinic, which opened in 2008, with the aim of enabling a business to start trading again there.

It is advertised for sale at Edward Symmons and partner Roland Cramp said a buyer is being sought.

In the year ending December 31 2011, the clinic had a turnover of £2.07 million.

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