Lockdown Is Easing – What Does This Mean For Veterinary Practices?
Veterinary practices have remained open throughout lockdown to provide essential veterinary services. To support the “stay at home” and social distancing messages, veterinary practices have been offering video or telephone consultations as an alternative to on-site appointments where appropriate; and have been asked to delay elective procedures where it is safe to do so.
Procedures available
Veterinary practices will be permitted to offer all usual procedures after 12th April if it is safe to do so. The exact timing and arrangements for this will vary from practice to practice. Check your veterinary practice’s website and Facebook page for details.
Social distancing
Clients should continue to wear a mask and sanitise their hands when entering veterinary practices. Social distancing is important for the safety of staff and clients. Practices are also keen to avoid veterinary staff having to isolate after contact with clients who later test positive for COVID as this could have serious implications for a practice being able to provide essential veterinary care. For this reason, it is likely that your veterinary surgeon will continue to take your pet into the consulting room without you for the time being. At Acorn House we will continue with our “meet and greet” receptionist who will check you in from the car park. Clients may wait inside their cars or underneath our purpose-built wooden gazebo. At the end of the appointment, one client may enter the well-ventilated reception area to collect medication and make future appointments.
Remote consultations
Video or telephone consultations will remain an option if clients prefer – there can be advantages beyond social distancing, such as not getting stuck in traffic and pets being more relaxed in their own environments.
Why is it so busy?
Veterinary practices have been under the same pressures of other businesses trying to manage services in less efficient, socially-distanced ways and work around staff members having to self-isolate or shield. Pet ownership has increased significantly during lockdown, so every veterinary practice is looking after a greater number of pets than this time last year! Acorn House has expanded the veterinary team with two additional experienced veterinary surgeons so that we can continue to provide our usual high standard of veterinary care to our increasing client base.
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