Earlswood ‘busier than ever’ because of pandemic

The clinical director of one of Northern Ireland’s largest veterinary hospitals has told how the pandemic has meant they are busier than ever.

Rachel Dunlop of Earlswood Veterinary in east Belfast, told NI Veterinary Today: “I think the most significant problem that we have encountered recently has been workload.

“At the start of the Covid pandemic, things were very uncertain as staff were furloughed and we really had no idea of how things would develop.

“Things were quiet initially, but case numbers rapidly increased and we are now busier than ever before. The large increase in pet ownership has undoubtedly contributed to this and increased home working means that people are spending more time with their pets and therefore are more aware of any problems.

“Another factor for us has been an increased number of referrals from other practices who have been struggling to meet the increased demand for veterinary services with a greatly reduced workforce at times.

‘Talented new vets’

“We’ve had to be very adaptable and flexible to cope with the added workload and the whole team has worked incredibly hard to ensure that we have been able to provide care for both our first opinion and referral clients. Fortunately, we have been able to recruit some talented new vets to assist us.”

And Rachel hailed the staff at Earslwood for providing such good care in such difficult times.

“As well as being proud of our RCVS-accredited hospital status,  I am tremendously proud of our dedicated team and their can-do attitude,” said Rachel. “They strive to do their best with every patient and we all do our utmost to accommodate those emergency cases that need our help.  It makes it a very special place to be a part of, in my opinion.”

Looking to the future Rachel says Earlswood aims “to continue to deliver clinical excellence and outstanding client care” as well as offering a variety of CPD for local practices in 2022.

“We hope to continue to grow our team and the range of services that we offer. No doubt at some stage in the future this may involve redevelopment, or even relocation, and yet another new chapter in the long history of Earlswood Veterinary.”

Read the full practice profile on Earlswood  in the latest edition of NI Veterinary Today.