With Michael Morrow from St Vincent’s Veterinary Surgery
In my 25 years as a veterinary surgeon, 15 of them as an owner of my own practice, I have never experienced or anticipated anything like the challenges that face our country at the moment.
Every decision, personal and business, has to be made under the absolute obligation of doing your best to help the whole nation get through this crisis with the minimum possible fallout.
And I am conscious that every industry, not just the veterinary sector, faces what can seem like insurmountable obstacles to surviving these turbulent times.
This week, rather than focusing on the cute puppy visitor, an interesting case study or some seasonal veterinary advice, I would like to take a personal look at where we are, both broadly speaking and as your veterinary practice facing up to covid-19.
As one of the sectors allowed to continue trading, but only to provide emergency care and preventative measures to avoid a serious deterioration in an animal, we as small animal veterinary surgeons are faced with an extremely complex and moral dilemma.
We have a social responsibility to absolutely minimise contact with clients as well as between staff to help slow the progression of this pandemic. But we have always had a duty to protect animals when in need. We signed up to it at the beginning of our careers.
Our governing bodies have acknowledged that, on occasion, decisions we make under the current guidelines not to see or treat an animal may go against every fibre of our raison d’être but that public health must be put ahead of animal welfare in some cases.
And I am forced to agree, our civic duty, our social responsibility, is to do our bit to help the nation get over this terrible situation we all find ourselves in.
Over the last week I have been struck by some observations. While we try to contain the spread of the virus the impact on our social interactions and mental health mounts.
Necessarily mind you – but telling.
The elderly client who lives alone and relies on their trip to the shop, the vet, the post office, for some human interaction and comfort.
People in care homes restricted to their room, no longer joining the group sessions that help get them through the day.
Or the person living alone in a flat who normally talks to all their neighbours in the doorway as they pass.
And I feel for kids, no longer going to school, not allowed to meet up with friends, isolated at a time when isolation can hurt so much.
And staff that are furloughed who would rather be at work, missing their sense of purpose and worth. Employees worried about their future. Business owners distraught as they try to navigate unpredictable and stormy waters.
These are just a few examples of what I’ve come across in our community of clients.
But we are human, and strong. Positives shine through the darkness. Simple acts of kindness can make such a difference. I have had the honour to do my small part. Chatting to clients on the phone. For longer than sometimes necessary. Delivering medications to those isolating or unable to go out.
I have loved the sense of community, albeit with social distancing. I feel for all who are missing human contact, missing animal contact and feeling isolated. And I can only add my voice to everyone supporting those in the NHS as they continue to work to help us all under the most trying of circumstances.
Continue to be kind. To each other. To animals. To those in need.
Not a veterinary perspective. A human one.
Michael.
Michael Morrow is a Veterinary Surgeon at St. Vincents Veterinary Surgery, a family-owned practice providing personal care for all your pets in and around Wokingham. Should you have any concerns about your pet please call the practice on 0118 979 3200 or visit www.stvincentsvets.co.uk to find out more about the practice.
