I am a great fan of Dr Brene Brown - Google her TED talk if you have not yet seen it. In her recent book, Dare to Lead, she references the Stockdale Paradox. In essence, this refers to an important balance: holding onto faith that one will prevail in the end with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of one’s current reality. Dr Brown has termed this gritty faith and gritty facts. Armed with gritty faith, what are the gritty facts?
With the current status of COVID-19 and the impacts it is having, we want to reassure all our clients that we are doing everything we can to look after our patients and your health and safety.
Irrespective of the necessary increased measures the government has taken, Veterinary practices are and will continue to be deemed an essential service. This means that we like doctors and pharmacists will remain open. We can however only do this if our team are healthy and able to continue providing services. Albeit with some additional measures as explained below.
1. We have put a hand sanitation station on the reception desk and ask that clients disinfect their hands on entry to and exit from the clinic.
2. In addition to our standard strict hygiene and cleaning practises, we have also introduced:
Hourly (and more frequently) staff hand sanitisation protocols
Hourly cleaning of high touch points (all internal and external door handles; counters; chairs, pens, EFTPOS machine etc)
Cleaning all other areas three times daily.
3. Blue Xs in the reception area demarcates a 1.5 m distance. Please be mindful of your and other peoples’ personal space.
4. If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms consistent with Coronavirus (sore throat, fever, cough, respiratory difficulty), have been in contact with a known COVID-19 positive person or have recently travelled interstate or overseas, please do not present to the clinic. Please contact our reception and we will provide you with further guidance on how we can assist you in getting treatment for your pet.
5. If you would prefer to wait in your vehicle before your appointment (this is strongly encouraged), please contact us from the parking area to let us know you are here and we will advise you accordingly. In some cases, we will ask you to remain in the vehicle while we take your pet in for treatment while you communicate with the veterinarian via phone.
6. Depending on the volume of people coming through the practice (we are working tirelessly to stringently manage this) we may request (via SMS or mobile contact) that you stay in your vehicles on arrival. Please contact our reception on arrival and we will advise you on how to proceed.
7. APPOINTMENTS: you will receive a Covid-19 related SMS on the morning of the day of your appointment. Please read and follow the vital instructions provided.
8. PLANNED ADMISSIONS: you will receive a Covid-19 related SMS on the day before your pet’s admission. Please read and follow the vital instructions provided
9. Emergencies: please phone ahead. We will always prioritise emergency cases but need the carefully manage the additional implications of this event.
10. Prescription medication, food and over-the-counter products: please phone ahead and we will get these ready for you. We will also ask for payment over the phone so that you are simply able to collect the products (or we will gladly bring them out to the car)
We will continue to follow all SA Department of Health and World Health Organisation clinical guidelines as well as information provided by The Australian Veterinary Association for sterilisation, cleanliness and hygiene concerning Covid-19, on top of our existing regulations and protocols.
We are here if you need us.
Lisa Scheepers & the Port Adelaide Vet team.