Tier 3 status Achieved
The Barn was inspected-for 6 hours!- in March this year and we have been notified that we have passed inspection as a Tier 3 The highest level of Practice Standard by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

The inspector praised the efficient running of the hospital, and the team spirit which was deemed to be strong factor in the hospital's smooth running.

Dermatologist Second Opinions
Charlotte Clough is a new permanent member of our Veterinary team. Charlotte is interested in all veterinary matters but also has a Certificate in Dermatology. She performs Second Opinions for local Veterinary Practices when referred by their Veterinary Surgeon.

Puppy development programme
Our Puppy Development Program has been running now for 4 Years and has been a great success. Its great fun and the dogs we see that have been through the program are more confident and happier patients when they come back to visit the Vet!

Jessica Tattersall a veterinary nurse with other members of the Barn Animal Hospital will coversuch aspects as training and health care.

Acupuncture
The Barn is now able to offer treatment with acupuncture. Maria Mighall has completed a course of study and has acquired practical experience in this technique.

Acupuncture is especially helpful for chronic pain such as hip arthritis or back pain. Please contact Maria at the hospital to see if your pet could benefit.

Emergency Cover Changes
For some time it has been apparent that the current arrangements whereby our own vets provide full cover overnight and at weekends and then work a full day the following day is illegal under the European Working Time Directive. We are one of the last veterinary practices to continue the old ways of providing cover, but this is sadly now unsustainable. Fortunately a network of dedicated Emergency Veterinary Practices, VETS NOW, are operational and will provide this cover on our behalf. They are staffed by Permanent Vets and Nurses with training and experience in providing Emergency Care and are based in well equipped premises. We will continue to provide full 24 hr nursing care to all inpatients of the Hospital. Our consulting and reception hours remain the same except additionally reception will be now open on Sundays 11am to 1pm.

Emergency cover will be provided by our Vets at The Barn from Monday-Saturday 8am-9pm, Sundays 10am to 5pm and by Vets Now at all other times. Always first call 01256 329522 24hrs to be directed to the on duty Emergency Service. Please note the telephone numbers of the Emergency VETS NOW centre most accessible to you. (These will be repeated on our Ansaphone) • VETS NOW Farnham 01252 737555 • VETS NOW Winchester 01962 808306 • VETS NOW Reading 0118 959 4007 If you are directed to a VETS NOW practice then they will advise you, after the emergency treatment, when you are to return your pet to us for further care or investigation. Please note that we do recommend full Pet Insurance which can provide cover in emergencies.

The new arrangements are effective from 24th December 2009. I would personally like to reassure all clients that we will continue to provide the best possible veterinary care for your pet and continue to meet the high standards demanded by The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in being the Only Tier 3 Veterinary Hospital in the Basingstoke area.