Covid-19 Info

Covid-19 Info

Updated 6 May 2022

To all of our wonderful clients,

We would like to thank you all for your patience and kindness during this very difficult time as we emerge through this ongoing pandemic. We realise this has been just as hard on you as it has on us, and we really appreciate your patience for the extra time this takes and sometimes unavoidable delays despite our best efforts to run on schedule. However, doing this has allowed us to remain open during this difficult time to be there for your beloved pets in times of need.

As state wide restrictions are easing significantly, we are also changing our protocols, however we will be a little more cautious than some other business due to being in the health industry and the inability to socially distance at times.

As of Monday the 9th of May, please see the guidelines below for our practice covid safe policies. As always these policies must remain fluid and may change based on the current situation.

BOOKINGS

If your animal requires a consultation, please call ahead on 9398 8000 to make a booking. Booking can also be made online through our website (please phone the clinic for emergencies or if you can’t get a booking online). We are extending our consultation times to 30 minute consults to accommodate the changes. We are able to offer TeleMedicine consultations as well for where it may be suitable (this will be determined on the phone when you ring for a booking). Walk in consultations will not be seen currently, we are working on an appointment only basis (emergencies will be catered for where possible).

ARRIVAL

• Firstly of course, do not come to the clinic if you are at all unwell or showing any flu-like symptoms.

The guidelines for entry into the clinic will be:

• Masks are no longer mandatory, but are encouraged/recommended.
• Our waiting room will now be open as normal:
  If the reception area is becoming too crowded our reception staff may ask you to kindly wait outside until it is less congested – please comply.

  If you prefer to wait outside or have been asked to, there will be chairs along the wall outside the clinic to sit on, or in the case of rain there is an undercover section in our back courtyard.

  If the waiting room is too full or you prefer to wait outside, please phone reception on 9398 8000 to alert us of your arrival (please be patient as we are very busy).

   

• We will have a maximum of 2 people (adults or children) per consult room (irrespective of the number of animals). The only exception will be single parents who have more than one child with them that are unable to wait alone in the waiting area. If Children do come inside, please ensure that they remain seated and still rather than roaming freely.

• Once the vet is ready to see you, they will either come and collect you from the waiting room, or come and get you from outside if you are still out there.
• During the consult, physical contact between staff and clients needs to be avoided. This may mean to hold your pet for certain procedures will require a nurse to come into consult and help, or for the vet to take your animal out of the consult room for this to occur.
• At the end of your consultation, the vet will give you any medication required, and also pre book any follow up appointments while in the consultation room. Payment may be taken in the consult room or at the front desk depending on workflow.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO MORE AND MORE NORMALITY AS TIME PASSES, AND WE THANK YOU ALL IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND CO-OPERATION WITH THE ABOVE GUIDELINES.

The entire team and Struggletown Vet Hospital

OPENING HOURS

Our opening hours will remain normal at this stage. However due to unexpected staff illness and the current global veterinary industry crisis of staff shortage we may have to reduce hours unexpectedly and delay non-urgent consults procedures unexpectedly – Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.

PAYMENT

We accept cash or card payments, but EFTPOS/credit card payments are preferred

MEDICATION/FOOD ETC

Any medication, flea/tick products or food should be ordered in advance of arrival to reduce waiting times, avoid disappointment of not being in stock and reduce congestion in the waiting room. IF THE WAITING ROOM IS FULL, PLEASE CALL RECEPTION ON 9398 8000 AND ONE OF OUR STAFF CAN BRING YOUR PRODUCTS OUT TO YOU AND TAKE PAYMENT.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

If you have returned from overseas in the last 14 days, or have been in contact with someone who has, or been in contact with a known covid 19 positive person within the last 7 days, are covid 19 positive, are supposed to be self-quarantining/isolating for any reason, or are showing any respiratory illness symptoms, are feeling unwell, PLEASE STAY AT HOME. Our friendly staff and can discuss with you the best way to get the necessary treatment for your animal.
We thank all our clients for your patience over the coming months in these unprecedented times.