Covid -19 & Liphook Equine Hospital
We appreciate that with the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic through the UK that this is a worrying time for everyone. As the prevalence of the virus increases in the UK, we want to reassure you that we are taking precautions to ensure that we can continue to be available to look after our equine patients.
So what are we doing?
Ambulatory Vets
- We are minimising contact between our ambulatory vets and other hospital staff so that if one of them falls ill, the risk of everyone else falling ill at the practice at the same time is minimised. Our ambulatory vets are working out of vehicles as normal but are basing themselves at home, with only essential trips into the hospital to restock their cars
- Biosecurity is not a new concept for us in the equine industry, as many of you are only too aware, and so we continue to ensure that our strict biosecurity policies are maintained
Hospital
- We will be asking office-based staff to work from home
- We are aiming to reduce the number of personnel visiting the hospital. We request that the number of people coming into the hospital with a horse is minimised and we will be doing more communications via telephone and email to avoid face-to-face contact
- Enforcing social-distancing between staff and staff and clients as much as possible
- Clients will be asked to wait in their cars or lorries rather than sit in the reception area
- Visits to inpatients will be via prior appointment only
- We have ensured that sufficient veterinary supplies are in stock and have a contingency plan to ensure that that continues
How can you help us?
- We will be asking all clients requesting a visit to and visitors to the hospital a few basic questions to ensure that we are not exposed to unnecessary risk e.g. questions about recent travels; whether you feel unwell; whether you have been in contact with anyone else who is unwell. We are still happy to attend your horse but may have to take some extra measures to safeguard all involved
- We would also be grateful if the number of personnel “horse side” is minimised where possible – it is difficult to screen unexpected “visitors” before we arrive thus potentially creating unnecessary risk for all
- Please make sure you use the hand sanitisers available when you visit the hospital. Frequent hand washing is one of the most effective measures we can all take to protect ourselves and each other
- If your health status changes AFTER a visit or appointment is arranged, please let us know
- If you need to come to the hospital for any reason (eg collect medication) please call ahead so the necessary precautions can be taken
- We would like to avoid cash payments wherever possible so please bring you bank card for payment
As the current situation is rapidly changing, we will keep you updated with any changes as they occur.
