COVID-19 update June 2020 June 2020

⚠️ COVID-19 UPDATE ⚠️

We have now opened our Stocksfield surgery! We will be open from 8.30am to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday but do of course have strict measures in place for both your safety and that of our team. Please call ahead of your journey to the surgery and you will be advised of the safety measures to follow.

We hope to be announcing very soon that our Bellingham practice will be opening with the new safety measures in place so please check back for updates!

In response to the UK Government extension of the Coronavirus “lock-down”, vets have had new guidance from The British Veterinary Association and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons regarding the patients we should now see as “urgent”.

We have been told that we can now start new Primary Vaccination courses in Cats, Dogs and Rabbits. We should also carry out the First annual vaccination (i.e. at 15 months old) in Cats, Dogs and Rabbits on time.

It has been recommended that dogs due Leptospirosis vaccination should be vaccinated and can have other core vaccinations (Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis) at the same time. Rabbits should be vaccinated for Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease as these are an immediate seasonal risk. Cats can receive annual booster vaccinations if approaching 15 months since their last vaccination. Rabies vaccinations can also be given. In accordance with the guidance we will start sending you reminders for due vaccinations.

With most cases we are instructed to assess whether a pet should be seen during a telephone or video consultation. We want to ensure that pets are seen when they should be.

Sometimes we may be able prescribe medicines without a physical examination. Always telephone the practice for advice as to whether your pet should be seen.

There are still a few non-essential things that we are instructed not to do: six monthly healthy pet consultations, weight checks, routine nail clips, kennel cough vaccinations and puppy parties.

We will continue to use telephone and video consulting where we can, take payments over the phone and post out medicines to reduce the need for clients to come to our surgeries. And we are still offering weekly delivery of prescription foods etc. to clients who cannot get to the surgery.

Orchard House remain committed to maintaining the health and welfare of your pets, but we are working to social distancing guidance for our clients and staff to help protect our NHS and save lives.

Stay safe.

Tim Pearson

Vet and Clinical Director