How are vets coping in these difficult times?

IT’S not just people who have been impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Anyone who has got a pet will know these are difficult times for pet owners. Here Frome Times speak to Sarah Holmes at Garston Vets to find out what impact the crisis has had on them.

Hi Sarah, how has the current crisis affected you?

Garston Veterinary Group has been providing services for the livestock and pets of Somerset and Wiltshire for over 100 years. There can’t be too many occasions in its history where it has had to dramatically change its working practices overnight. The Government announcement of an effective lockdown on the 23rd March 2020 led to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons advising the profession to consider personal and public safety above animal welfare. These unprecedented events were certainly going to be a challenge for an independent business that prides itself on serving its local community with the highest level of veterinary care.

What changes have you had to make?

Since the start of the Covid-19 crisis, Garston Vets have taken all steps necessary to follow guidance issued by governing authorities.  Our Farm vets have been busy in their roles as key agricultural workers involved in the supply of human foods. Our Small Animal and Equine departments were most affected by the initial advice to put all routine procedures on hold and treat urgent cases only. It has since been an evolving work in progress to correctly address the balance between protecting human health concerns whilst also preventing disease & welfare issues in the animals that live amongst us.

The dramatic reduction in workload that followed on from the lockdown restrictions led to us having to temporarily close our Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury and Melksham practices. Within 24 hours we organised teams to operate out of our original ‘Garston House’ surgery in Frome. New protocols have been put in place to address social distancing and biosecurity concerns to protect both staff and clients alike. At the clinic pets are examined away from their owners with vets & nurses wearing fresh items of PPE for every animal.

The ability to offer remote consultations using phone conversations, video discussions and photographs sent via social media has proven invaluable. Special provisions have also been made for dispensing essential medications and pet foods under new prescribing guidelines.

What services are you currently providing and how have your staff coped during the crisis?

The logistics of implementing such marked changes to working practices and staff rosters can’t be understated. The Garston House surgery in Frome is currently open 7 days a week between the hours of 8am until 6pm. We have a reduced number of vets, nurses and receptionists working any one day to maintain social distancing within the practice building, whilst other staff members stay safe at home and wait for their rotations to begin.

We also continue to provide our standard emergency service overnight with dedicated night vets and a nurse on site. During our daytime consulting hours clients are able to book both remote and physical appointments with our veterinarians. We are now offering puppy, kitten and first year dog booster vaccinations. We have also started performing a number of cat neuters. Clients can order repeat prescriptions and make payments through our website. We are also managing to ensure that all our Wellness Plan patients stay flea, tick and worm free by continuing to provide their necessary anti-parasite medications on pre-arranged distribution days at all our surgery sites.

Our clients and staff have been extremely kind and understanding throughout these uncertain times and we would like to thank them all for their continued support and loyalty.

If you would like to contact us please call 01373 452225 or visit us at www.garstonvets.co.uk