A North East veterinary practice has launched a new online service enabling patients to be seen remotely by veterinary surgeons
Blythman & Partners, which has nine practices throughout the north of the region, worked with Concept IT Services to alter its working systems to offer customers video conference vet visits.
Graham Chambers, co-owner of Blythman & Partners, said: “At the beginning of lockdown we knew that we needed to adapt our services to continue to meet the welfare needs of our patients while also complying with government guidelines. So, while pub quizzes and family occasions went online, so did our veterinary consultations.
“While nothing can replace a ‘hands-on’ clinical examination, our ‘Virtual Vet’ appointments provide a safe, flexible service which protects both team and customers, and reduces the stress of travelling for animals, but also gives the vet the opportunity actually see and better diagnose issues such as skin problems or lameness.”
The facility was developed between Blythman & Partners, which wanted to offer as comprehensive a service as possible, and managed services provider Concept IT, then launched to the public within only three weeks from initial discussion.
Managing Director of Concept IT Services, Kevin Embleton said: “We have been an extended part of the Blythman team for many years providing IT and telecommunications support and, as with many of our clients, wanted to support the changing needs of their business due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, ultimately helping them to survive.
“The practice network is passionate about providing the best possible care for its patients, reducing their stress and worry, but also entering a new phase of service provision which is where we came in.
“With our technological input we were able to create a programme that not only made seeing a vet even easier for customers, but enables the veterinary team to be more efficient.”
Graham added: “A pet’s health and wellbeing is of paramount importance to our team and while many will miss the cuddles and fuss received from our team, some are not always as pleased to see us – so this system allows both parties the best of both worlds!”
This is the first step of many that the veterinary practice and Concept IT are taking to add more technology to pet ownership, with an online shop and other virtual services in the pipeline.
The virtual appointment system can be accessed by contacting any of the Blythman & Partners practices, details for which can be found at www.blythmanandpartners.co.uk.
