There has been some discussion online as some therapists are starting to advertise their return to work.

I just want to clarify my position. As it stands, the direction and advice from my professional bodies has not changed – all non-emergency work is suspended and as such I am not able to treat – our profession comes under ‘maintenance/non-essential’ treatment. (I may be able to help with specific emergency cases if referred/requested by your vet).

RAMP have issued guidelines for us to put in place WHEN we return to work but no date for this has been set – we are awaiting updates from the government and RCVS and insurance companies. Please be assured that I am already making plans to adapt my business to fit in with these new guidelines.

Thank you once again for your patience – I will share more details of my return to work as soon as I have them!

Keep staying safe and following the guidelines everyone 🙂

I am so grateful to all my clients who have been very supportive and understanding during this time when I cannot work. A lot of appointments have had to be postponed but feedback and responses have all been very kind during this time.

Anyone who’s appointment had to be postponed has been placed on a priority waiting list to rebook as soon as I am able to reopen my diary. I have also been overwhelmed by the number of calls and texts I’ve had from clients wanting to book in once I’m working again.

As such I think it only fair to extend my waiting list to those who want to reserve a slot once the diary is open. Please do give me a call or drop me a message if you want to be added to the list. I am so grateful to all my clients who have stuck by me and continue to support my little business. It is quite a relief to know I have work to go back to!

THANK YOU!

So, we are on day 7 of self isolation here.  The good news is that we are coping pretty well – the kids are willingly doing (some) school work, the boys cough is getting better (and hasn’t got any worse!), the husband is managing to successfully work from home and the dogs are utterly baffled as to why we are all at home so much.

***Here’s the important bit***

I’m writing this update as today I am making a tough decision regarding my business… Yesterday the BVA (British Veterinary Association) hosted a webinar to provide best practice information to veterinary practices.  The clear message from this webinar is that all non-emergency/routine treatments should be restricted and contact with clients should be limited.

Whilst there is no official guidance for paraprofessionals (therapists like me) as yet, my treatments can not be regarded as emergency care and will always fall into the ‘routine’ bracket.  I feel that the most responsible thing for me to do at this time is to cease all treatments in line with this latest veterinary advice.  As always, my advice regarding emergency situations for your animals remains the same – please seek immediate veterinary advice if you feel your animal requires emergency attention/treatment.

The situation is moving very quickly and advice is changing daily.  I am trying my best to wade through the information and take decisions based on the most up to date guidance.  I will be available via phone or email for anyone needing remote advice for their animals and will help in any way that I can.  I want to thank everyone for their understanding at this time.  I will be in touch with everyone as soon as I’m back up and running 🙂

This is not an easy decision to make, as being self employed with no work will certainly be difficult, but at this moment in time I feel it is the most responsible decision for the safety of myself, my family, my clients and the wider community.

 

Things are changing quickly!

I have had to isolate my children from school as my son has started with a cough! Whilst I am confident that he has just got a cold, we have to make responsible decisions. Currently we are all feeling well.

Based on yesterday’s advice from the government and instructions from school, we will be self isolating as a family for the next 14 days.

Anyone who has appointments in this time, I will be in touch to rearrange your sessions. I’m really sorry for the inconvenience this may cause some of you and hope that you will understand my position on this. I will be working over the Easter Holidays to catch up on work missed (providing we’re not all on lock down!).

I will be posting regular updates to keep you all informed of our situation! Wish me luck homeschooling these two loons…

First update 17/03/20

In light of the most recent government announcements, made yesterday (Monday 16th March) I feel it’s time to release some sort of statement regarding how I will be working.

The Bug – I’m sure you are all aware of the Covid-19/Corona Virus bug that has been in the news lately. I’m not going to do a big sciencey bit – there is lots of information out there. My advice is to gather your information from trusted sources – I am using NHS and PHE mostly. The important part is that this bug is affecting the upper respiratory tract, causing fever and a cough. Our best defence seems to be frequent and effective hand washing and social distancing if we have symptoms or have come into contact with someone who has it.

Last night the government have put added restrictions on social contact and movement which is why I am writing this post. Matt Hancock has also advised that for those not able to work from home, normal work should continue.

My Business – I expect this outbreak to have an impact on my business over the coming months. I’m sure you can appreciate that I hope this impact will be minimal. As it stands, I will continue to work as long as I and no one in my family are showing symptoms of the bug and I have no other reason to self isolate. During these uncertain times I please ask that payments are made promptly. If you are paying by bank transfer please ensure payment is within 7 days of treatment at the very latest.

Your Appointment – I will be contacting clients on a daily basis, the day before their scheduled appointment to confirm my health status, your health status and our joint consent for treatment to go ahead. Please can I ask all clients to exercise caution and honesty. I would rather reschedule your session than risk spreading an infection. By the nature of my job I travel around A LOT and see a lot of different people – some in the vulnerable groups. I have also purchased equipment that will allow me to carry out hand washing on the move – available from next week, so I can reassure everyone that regardless of location I am able to wash hands before and after every client.

I would like to thank all my clients for their support and understanding during these uncertain times.