Update on Coronavirus / COVID-19

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Client Interactions Plans and Communication

To all our valued clients,

We are now introducing a patient drop off system. This is to minimise the risk of human to human transmission for you and for us of coronavirus, as well as to comply with social distancing regulations and avoid a waiting room with a large number of people present. Our reception team can help you with this process.

The key steps are to:

• Make an appointment as usual, but when you attend, to stay in your vehicle. Please ensure your cat is in a secure carrier or your dog is restrained with a secure collar/harness and lead.

• Give us a call on 8927 9033 when you arrive. We will meet you at your car, admit your pet and our Vet will assess your pet. We will then phone you to discuss our findings and the treatment options with you.

• If your pet needs to stay for hospital care, diagnostic investigations or surgery, we will discuss the clinical, logistical and financial aspects of this and arrange the necessary paperwork.

Please make sure that the person bringing the pet:

• Is not currently positive for COVID-19

• Is not in a quarantine arrangement due to recent travel history and has not had exposure to a person with known or possible COVID-19 infection in the last 2 weeks

• Is well with no respiratory symptoms

  • Is wearing a mask

All Australians are working with each other to help manage the emerging COVID-19/Coronavirus problem. At Darwin Vet Hospital we are taking steps as part of this to help do our bit. The quarantine periods and other advice given by the health department are for the benefit of all Australians and are aimed at reducing the load on the health system so everyone gets the care they need should they become ill. Recommendations as to how these precautions should be implemented are changing all the time and we will strive to provide an environment where we can continue to deliver the best possible patient care, while also looking after the health needs of our valued clients and staff members.

Apart from implementing the drop off system, steps we have taken include:

• Preliminary screening over the phone. If you are unwell, have had contact with someone with COVID-19 or have travelled overseas recently please tell us. We can still see your pet and give them the care they need. We would ask you to have a well friend, family member, dog sitter or Animal Ambulance bring your pet in. This person should not be someone who you have spent time with while affected. We will treat the pets with appropriate precautions to keep us and them safe. We can have a consultation with you over the phone and then give your pet the treatment it needs.

• Reducing the amount of face to face time between our team members and clients. We know you love your pets and we will care for them as we always do, even if you can't be with us physically. We'll keep you up to date with your pet's progress in hospital.

• Frequent cleaning of commonly used services and areas. We are reducing any potential environmental contamination by cleaning with agents that have effect against corona viruses, particularly COVID-19. We have detailed cleaning protocols and use agents with high levels of proven efficacy based on external advice.

• We ask you that only one family member brings your pet to our hospital. If wait times are prolonged and you would like us to admit your pet while you wait elsewhere, we are happy to do this. For the time being we are not allowing families to visit their pets in hospital, but we are happy to send photos of them to you, should you request.

Please give us a call on 8927 9033 if you have any questions regarding these requirements, or to book an appointment. Our friendly Team is here to help!