Arrangements for the care of our patients during the coronavirus epidemic

During the ongoing epidemic we will do all we can to provide the best care possible for your pets. As we understand it, a visit to the vet is allowed when an animal needs treatment so, at the present time, all our surgeries remain open.

Orchard Vets maintains high levels of biosecurity to prevent spread of disease, so it is likely that our surgeries are among the safest places for both you and your pet to visit. However, it has been necessary to make major changes to the way we operate our service until the danger has passed.

Delaying some procedures

We will do all we can to ensure that any animal with a medical problem is helped as soon as possible so do not hesitate to ring if your pet is unwell. However, all non-urgent procedures must be delayed; booster vaccinations can usually be put back by a month or two; many routine health checks and operations can also be postponed to a later time. Where possible we can post medicines and parasite treatments to avoid a surgery visit to collect them. If you have any doubt about whether your pet needs to be seen, please ring for guidance.

Making appointments

Do not arrive at the surgery unannounced but ring first to make an appointment or to discuss any problems. Unfortunately we have had to suspended online bookings until the epidemic has passed.

Surgery times

With one exception our opening times remain the same. But, for the foreseeable future all Saturday appointments will be held at our new Oldbury surgery in Birchfield Lane. Clients who normally visit the Harborne or Wednesbury surgeries will be welcome to make an appointment at the new site on Saturday mornings.

Coming to the surgery

To reduce the chances of you meeting another member of the public we are arranging for only one client to visit us at a time. Please observe these directions:

• If you or a household member has a cough or fever, or if you are an elderly or vulnerable person, please stay at home and arrange for another person to bring the pet.
• If possible a pet should be brought by one person only. Under no circumstances should you bring children.
• On arrival our door may be closed, so please wait in your car and telephone reception who will check you in then call you when the vet is ready.
• We may come and speak to you at your car and collect your pet for examination so you may not need to come in.
• If you do need to enter the waiting room, please use the sanitiser provided to disinfect your hands, wait near the door and avoid touching any surfaces.
• If possible please pay by card, rather than cash.

At present there is no evidence that companion animals can be infected with the new coronavirus. However it is always a good idea to wash hands with soap and water after contact with your pets.

HM Government may introduce further restrictions that affect how we can operate and amendments to the above arrangements may be needed. So please check here each time you need to visit.

We appreciate your understanding during this time. The well-being of our patients is still our priority and by making these changes we can continue the important veterinary care of your pets while protecting our more vulnerable clients from unnecessary risk. We look forward to the time we can return to normal service.