We received the fantastic news recently to officially state that Veterinarians are considered an essential service. This gives us the reassurance that we will not be required to close, even if stronger shut-down measures are enforced by the government. At this point in time we are able to see patients for all routine and urgent pet care needs however there is a new norm as to how the process of consultations and examinations can be performed.
We have been working very hard to implement the appropriate changes necessary to keep our team and clients safe (particularly those that may be high risk). We would like to thank all of our clients who have been tremendously understanding and cooperative of the social distancing and hand hygiene measures put in place so far. As those of you who have visited us in the past few weeks you will notice many of the changes, particularly the signage and markings which help instruct and remind us of the best ways to reduce the spread of cornovairus
- Hand hygiene
- social distance
- don’t touch your face
OUR NEW APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES
If you have a pet healthcare concern please call and speak with one of our nursing team who will be able to work out the best way for us to help your pet.
1. WHEN YOU CALL TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT you will be asked these questions. In the interests of everyone’s safety we appreciate you honest honest answers.
- Have you or someone you live with has been overseas or interstate recently?
- Do you or any one you live with have any flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, sore throat, etc.)?
- Are you or anyone you live with in self quarantine/isolation?
- Have you Have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for Coronavirus?
If you answer NO to all of these then we can go ahead and make an appointment as normal.
If you answer YES to any of these questions then an alternate arrangement will be needed and depending on the circumstance our nurses will be able to guide you through how we may be able to help. We need to take all precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus to any member of our team, or client who may be waiting.
2. WHEN YOU ARRIVE FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
Waiting room closure – We are no longer able to have clients waiting for appointments inside the hospital.
- Please call when you arrive in the car park
- Please wait in your car or outside (making sure to follow social distancing rules)
- You will be sent an sms or someone will come out and provide further instruction when we are ready to see you pet.
- We may need to take your pet inside whilst you wait outside or,
- You may be directed to an available consult room.
- ONE OWNER PER PET – Due to the smaller size of our consultation rooms we have limited the number of people within our consult rooms
3. WHEN ENTERING THE CLINIC
- Please sanitize your hands before you enter at the hygiene station outside the front door.
- In the case of dogs please weigh your pet and proceed straight into the designated consult room
- Cat carrier
Appointments and Self distancing measures
- Please respect the space of our vets and nurses making sure to keep the recommended 1.5mt distance at all times.
- Face-to-face contact time within consultation rooms will be minimized.
- If extended consultation are required we may need to conducted part of the visit outside or to continue the examination within our hospital treatment area.
- When you need to finalize payment, pick up medications or purchase products at reception – please follow signage to help maintain a safe distance
- If you are a high risk member of the community we recommend you remain in your car at all times, we will come out to you.
- We have had to put off hand shakes and hugs for the time being, but assure you they will be back as soon as we are given the green light.
4. CHANGES TO OPENING HOURS
Please note that our new opening hours are as follows
Mon- Friday: 8am – 7pm
Saturday: 8.30 – 3pm
Sunday and Public Holidays: Closed until further notice.
We understand that this can be a really trying time for everyone and want to reassure everyone that we will keep doing what we can for as long as we can. Please check this blog post for any further changes.
Stay safe and Keep your distance.
