Covid Update 21st December 2020 – Tier 4

On 19th December our Tier status in Bedfordshire was raised to Tier 4. In accordance with BVA, RCVS and government advice, we continue to operate our current services at the present time.

Updates will be communicated via our website and social media pages.

Thank you for your continued support during these challenging times.

The Scott Veterinary Clinic team is working hard to continue providing a caring, professional and compassionate service.

No matter what future challenges we encounter, our priority will always be to provide the best possible care for your pets. We thank you for your continued patience and understanding during this time.

Our services are Covid-compliant, in-line with guidance from the government, Public Health England and the RCVS & BVA. Because of this, our team will be wearing face masks.

They may also be wearing appropriate PPE such as gloves, apron, visor. We ask that all visitors to the practice wear a face mask.

Opening hours

Bedford: 08.00-19.00 Monday to Friday, 08.30-17.00 Saturday and 09.00-12.00 Sunday
Sharnbrook: 09.00-19.00 Monday & Wednesday, 09.00-17.00 Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
Wixams: 09.00-17:00 Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 09:00-19:00 Tuesday & Thursday

Communication: We are aware that the use of masks/face coverings can present challenges when communicating, for those who may be visually impaired or hard of hearing. Please inform our team, at the time of booking your appointment, if we need to be aware of your requirements. Please inform our team if you or someone in your household is currently isolating. Telephone/video consultations are available for those who cannot attend the practice. You may be asked to complete and submit a history form, in advance of the appointment.

Booking: All consultations, procedures and operations are by appointment. At the time of booking your pets appointment, you will be advised to text our team upon arrival.

You will then receive a phone call from the vet/nurse carrying out the consultation where they will obtain a history and clarify the reason for your visit.

They will then collect your pet from you in the car park and take them inside the building to carry out an examination. You can enter the branches, whilst observing social distancing.

You will be advised of our branch procedures when phoning to arrange your appointment. You will be asked to wear your own face mask when you visit us. Please inform our team, at the time of booking, if you are exempt from wearing a mask.

Reassurance: We have found the majority of pets actually behave in a far more relaxed manner whilst carrying out our Covid-compliant consultations. To carry out an examination and treatment with the pet’s owner distanced but unable to reassure in a tactile manner appears to have been far more distressing for the patient than being taken in without them.

We have, in some exceptional circumstances, conducted examinations in the boot of the car or in our garden but this is not custom practice and presents team safety issues regarding air space and concerns regarding the security of a pet. Please be assured we will always consider alternatives where safe and practicable to do so.

Customer service: Our friendly caring reception team are now able to assist you at reception, where you can safely collect and pay for prescriptions/food and retail items.

Please use the hand sanitiser located at the front entrance and observe our notices upon entering the reception area to pay/collect items. You will be required to wear a mask and keep 2 metres apart. Please inform our team when arranging your appointment if you are exempt from wearing a mask, as you may be asked to remain outside for your safety and that of our team.

Medication: Please continue to order your pets repeat medicines using our online prescription request form: https://scottveterinaryclinic.co.uk/repeat-prescriptions please allow 48hrs before coming in to collect.

Home visits: Our Covid policy does not currently allow us to enter your home. In extenuating circumstances and where practicable to do so, it may be possible to visit dogs, if you have a reliably secure back garden/outdoor area.

This will be dependent on your pets condition at the time and weather conditions. We are not able to visit your pet if you or anyone in your household is self-isolating. Our team will be happy to discuss your requirements at the time of booking.

Euthanasia: It is important to us that your pet passes peacefully and with the dignity they deserve. In some cases, it may not be possible to be with your pet but please be assured, we consider the needs of each patient and their owners wishes individually, and will discuss with you the options available in advance of your appointment.

Updates: Any future changes to our services will be communicated to you via our website and social media pages. Our lovely reception team will also advise you of relevant notices when you call. Our team can also be contacted through our ‘contact us’ page or at admin@scottveterinaryclinic.co.uk

Note: Please always telephone our team for urgent enquiries or emergencies. Emails and our Facebook Messenger service are for non-urgent enquiries only and are not manned out of hours or at the weekends.