Belmont Vet Centre

Client brief:

Write a combined press release / business profile / news article that could be sent to and published in the media. 

Result:

THOMAS the blue Burmese is definitely a cat with nine lives. After cheating death three times in the past decade, the cherished family pet has been nursed back to good health, thanks to the medical team at the Belmont Veterinary Centre. 

Having overcome a gunshot wound, kidney disease and even pancreatitis, the now ‘poster cat’ of the surgery has helped raise awareness of the importance of regular checkups.

“Thomas and his owners the Brylows have been regular patients for the past 10 years,” Dr Richard Blair said. “He’s our poster boy for our vet.”

Like Thomas’ case, husband and wife team Dr Richard and Lisa Blair from the Belmont Veterinary Centre have been nursing sick animals back to health for 21 years.

Specialising in the treatment of small companion pets including cats, dogs, rabbits, birds and even some reptiles, the clinic has hundreds of established clients on their books.

Just recently the team of 14 staff members welcomed a newly renovated workspace, which houses additional consultation rooms, visiting rooms, an isolation ward and a separate sound proof run areas for cats and dogs.

“To accompany our office renovations, we’ve decided to renovate the focus of our philosophy.  We’re now encouraging pet owners to take a proactive instead of a reactive approach to their pet’s health,” Dr Blair said.

“So instead of taking your pet to the vet when it’s sick, we’re recommending regular vet or nurse visits to help prevent or delay the onset of disease.”

The philosophy of the veterinary centre is based around their wellness program. The program involves bringing your pets in for twice yearly checks resulting in more thorough care throughout their lifetime.

“Pets age so much more quickly than humans and their needs can change dramatically so bringing in your pet for checks twice a year means we can talk through any issues with clients and educate them on their pet’s differing needs,” Dr Blair said. “It also means we can diagnose diseases early.”

Team based healthcare is another philosophy the centre has adopted to better provide for the animals.

“This means that nurses, clients and doctors work together to deliver the needed care, be that a nurse collecting basic information at the start of a visit or explaining what the doctor said at the end of the visit or the doctor assessing the information gathered and formulating a treatment plan with the rest of the team,” Dr Blair said.

To mark the momentous 21^st milestone, the centre is holding an open day at the High Street clinic in Belmont on Sunday 30 October. With Dr Harry Cooper providing additional pet care advice, the day is sure to be a success.

As for Thomas, a slice of chocolate cake and time away from the surgery has proven the best medicine for the Burmese on his 20^th birthday.