Important information for Clients visiting the Hospital and Diagnostic Centre

We are open and still providing our services 24/7, but with necessary restrictions in place

Following the Government’s announcement on 4th January 2021 of a third national lockdown, current RCVS and BEVA advice is that veterinary practices can remain open, and owners can leave home to seek veterinary advice ‘essential for animal health and welfare’, provided they follow the RCVS and Government guidance, with strict adherence to biosecurity and social/physical distancing measures.

We have updated our guidance specifically for all clients who have appointments for their horse or pony at the Hospital or Diagnostic Centre, which we ask you please to read carefully. Your adherence to these Covid-19 control measures on arrival at the Hospital is greatly appreciated.

• Clients visiting Rossdales Equine Hospital and Diagnostic Centre should wear a suitable mask/face covering at all times when on site and observe 2m social distancing.
• Wherever possible, only one client should come to the hospital site to bring or collect a horse. If more than one person travels with the horse, please can they remain in the vehicle while on site.
• All paperwork must be completed electronically before you arrive.
• On arrival, one person may report to the Hospital reception to inform staff that they have arrived. Outside of our normal office hours, you will be given a mobile number to call. Should there already be one person in reception, please wait outside until reception is empty (socially distancing from other people if there is more than one person waiting).
• A QR code is present in the hospital reception area. When entering the hospital reception area, we strongly encourage you to scan this to comply with Government test and trace guidance.
• You will be instructed to unload your horse and walk towards the gates next to reception, where a member of our team will meet you and show you to a stable. Once your horse is in a stable, please return to your vehicle.
• Access to the Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, including yards, is restricted to attending reception and dropping off/collecting your horse.
• A client toilet is available, within the DC foyer area, but unfortunately no other waiting rooms or refreshment facilities will be open until further notice. If waiting to use the toilet please avoid congregating in foyer as this is a working thoroughfare and please return to your vehicle as soon as possible.
• We regret that we will be unable to conduct face-to-face consultations (this includes no access to lameness work ups or diagnostic image viewings), and we will contact you by telephone when your horse is ready to be discharged.
• If you are planning to wait on site while your horse undergoes investigations or treatment, please return to your vehicle and remain there until contacted by one of our clinicians. Please ensure you bring adequate refreshments with you, and plenty of warm clothing. If you do leave our Exning site, please ensure you remain contactable and adhere to lockdown rules.

We want to reassure you that we are committed to providing the highest level of care for your horse or pony at all times.

We will continue to follow government advice on working safely during coronavirus and it remains as important as ever to follow the ‘HANDS FACE SPACE’ mantra.

Full details of our updated Covid-19 protocols for all areas of the practice are available here.

If you have any questions about the above guidance ahead of your visit, you develop clinical signs suggestive of Covid-19 infection, or you have been in direct contact with anyone showing clinical signs, please contact us by telephone on 01638 577754 as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.