At PDSA, our Pet Hospital veterinary services have been greatly impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak. We’ve all had to make changes and adapt, and social distancing has meant working from home.
It’s a new way of working and it has taken some getting used to, but we are doing everything we can to ensure we help as many pets and owners as possible.
Instead of face-to-face appointments, I’m doing a lot of phone appointments with our clients in Middlesbrough so only very few people need to come to the Pet Hospital. I’m supporting my colleagues based in the hospital by freeing them up to focus on emergencies.
Adapting to a new routine
So far this week, I’ve done telephone consultations with pets who have a variety of issues – from epilepsy and arthritis, to diarrhoea. Not being able to see a pet face-to-face with a condition is a challenge, but we’re still able to provide the best possible care whilst also doing our bit to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Technology has been a real help. Owners have been sending photos and videos in, which helps me to understand more about what might be going on with their pet.
I’ve also been responding to email queries from clients to help direct them to the best treatment option for their pets. This could be online via our Pet Health Hub, home management, a phone consultation with a vet or identifying an emergency case which needs to be treated at the hospital. I am also updating medical records and co-ordinating work between staff on the frontline and those who are working from home.
Working better together!
It’s a strange and challenging time that we’re going through and you can’t help but worry about your colleagues who are on the front line, ensuring pets get the treatment they desperately need in these difficult times.
I am so proud of the team at Middlesbrough – we’re all pulling together to continue to treat the pets most in need.
Part of me wants to be in the hospital all the time, but we all need to ensure we are doing everything we can to observe social distancing at work for the safety of our team and the pet owners we support.
My time working from home hasn’t been all that lonely though. I’ve had my loyal companion, Pengwen, to keep me company!
It’s taking time for her to adjust as well. At first she was wanting to be fussed over all the time, but she soon realised I wasn’t home just to play! She has settled back into her usual routine of sleeping, eating and bird watching.
It’s a learning curve for all of us (Pengwen included!), but we’re doing our very best.
