We will be maintaining social distancing; the small nature of our waiting rooms means that
we will still be consulting and history taking with clients outside, before taking pets inside
for examination and treatment. We wish to keep our clients as safe as possible. “Bus
shelters” at Hexham and Bellingham give protection from the worst of the bad weather but
we would encourage clients to come by car or to wrap up warm. And please remember to
bring a face mask.

Previously, during the first lockdown, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and British
Veterinary Association instructed veterinary practices to restrict services to urgent and
emergency care only. However, the restrictions caused backlogs to routine treatments,
similar to those seen in the NHS after the first lockdown, and a very busy period after the
lockdown where we had to “catch up”. This time we have been advised to maintain as full a
service as possible within social distancing guidelines.

We have added telephone lines and additional staff to answer them. However, our call
volumes are also much greater. We encourage the use of our repeat prescription online
request service, and you can email the practice with less urgent questions or requests.
Hopefully, the Government plans for an intensive vaccination program to protect the most
vulnerable in our society should help to make this our last lockdown. Thank you once again
for all your support and patience whilst we continue to give you and your pets the best,
safest care possible.

Best wishes for an increasingly great 2021.

Tim Pearson, BVMS, MVM, MRCVS
Clinical Director and Vet