Eek! We are so excited to share some updates regarding out new expansion. Earlier this year we announced our plans to extend into the space next door, adding 2600SF to our current 3000SF space - and finally construction is upon us!
Over the next few months we are expecting some disruptions to our clinic (particularly with regard to noise) and potentially some adjustments to our services. Our aim is to ensure good communication with our team and our clients so we can minimize additional stress to our people and particularly our patients. We'll really appreciate your patience with us as we negotiate these disruptions.
Last time we did construction we didn't have a clinic to manage, so please bear with us.
Having just weathered a pandemic though, we know our team is adaptable and can get through this!
Some first clinic construction photos are included below, and we'll update with new clinic photos as construction gets going:
Please read on if you'd like more details of the project and our plans.
Phase One: Restructuring of Treatment Spaces
During late fall and early winter, construction will start in both the new space and our treatment rooms, resulting in loud noises (at times including saw cutting and concrete drilling) particularly towards middle and back of the clinic.
Depending on the noise level each day, our inpatients will be moved to different locations within the clinic and efforts will be made to arrange early pick-ups or reduce hospital stay duration for non-urgent cases. Procedures will be scheduled according to the anticipated workload.
Phase Two: Relocation of Services
Over the next few weeks our ICU patients, sterilization and pharmacy areas are being relocated.
Once initial work is complete and our new treatment spaces are linked, our inpatient wards will be relocated.
There may be shorter appointment blocks or changes in availability between drop-off, "curbside" and in-person appointments based on available rooms. We'll aim to let you know the plan well in advance of your appointment whenever possible.
Non-urgent surgery and dentistry availability may be reduced during this time.
End-of-life care, when possible, will be scheduled at specific low-work times. Our construction teams are keeping us in the loop about noise and work plans and are working with us to minimize noisy work during certain times of the day.
Once work is complete and the space able to be occupied, our treatment and inpatient spaces will be significantly larger and more functional!
Phase Three: Remodelling of current reception area
In the new year, towards the end of the project, there will be a period of time when our old reception desk is removed and a vestibule is being placed into the current entrance area, as well as our floors being redone.
We will provide more updates as work progresses to communicate when exactly this is going to be, what client entrance and consulting space will be available and how we will be handling in-person appointments.
Once the space is complete, we will aim to have an open house to show you everything we've been working on. Some of the things we're looking forward to are:
Two separate entrances: one for dogs, and one for cats & other creatures. Dogs like to be loud and smelly - particularly when they're anxious or excited about visiting the doctor - and other animals will often be less stressed if they can be housed in a separate location. We've always had separate wards for hospitalized patients but we're excited to offer completely separate waiting spaces.
More consultation rooms: so hopefully we can see more of our people in person and keep more pets with their families during their visits
A dedicated Urgent Care ICU: we've been developing our urgent care services throughout the last few years especially and we're excited to be able to offer a dedicated day time urgent care service complete with fully serviced ICU & procedure room, oxygen cage and recovery kennels. Our staff already have a wealth of experience in urgent care, and many of our vets and Vet Nurses have come directly from Emergency & Critical Care clinics and so are well prepared!
A larger, extended Dental Procedure room to help expand our services in first opinion small animal dentistry
Larger, extended dog ward with a separate back entrance, additional treatment and procedure space
If you have any concerns throughout this process please do reach out to any of our team.
We can't wait to provide more details through the construction process: watch this space!
