Mobile emergency “K-999” surgery launched by Derbyshire vet

Derbyshire mobile vet service VetCare@Home has taken delivery of a new surgery-on-wheels to conduct emergency and scheduled pet operations on the road.

VetCare@Home has invested a significant sum purchasing and converting the 6.5-tonne vehicle, a former ambulance mobile command centre that was originally built for the 2012 London Olympics.

The move was primarily to reduce the stress, trauma and inconvenience – to pets and their owners – caused by often having to travel long distances to static clinics and animal hospitals for routine operations.

Specially kitted-out with a self-levelling suspension, fully adjustable operating table, lead lining for x-rays, theatre lighting, recovery kennels, oxygen system, awning, anaesthetic and lab-testing equipment, the vehicle also contains an autoclave for sterilising instruments and its own marine-style emergency generator.

“It’s a substantial investment for us, but the possibilities are huge,” said Dr John Rosie, founder and director of VetCare@Home. “There’s no reason that we won’t be able to carry out any type of conceivable operation in the field now. If you’re a dog owner, you could say it’s a genuine ‘K-999’ emergency service!”

Combined with its existing clinics covering the whole of Derbyshire, operating from bases in Belper and the High Peak, the firm’s new mobile surgical unit represents a service addition that is not currently offered by many veterinary practices.

Dr Rosie believes that it will allow the company to eventually expand to other parts of the UK, increase its number of nurses and veterinary surgeons and even offer its service nationally to zoos, dog shows and similar events.

“The unit will be predominately used for scheduled, routine operations, as real emergencies will usually still require overnight or longer-term hospitalisation,” he said. “But even in those cases, we can carry out initial assessments and life-saving treatments on the way to hospital if required.”

VetCare@Home is also planning to focus more heavily on dentistry work with its new mobile surgery.

“We see a lot of cats and dogs that require dental work,” said Dr Rosie. “And that’s something we can now provide easily, right on people’s doorsteps. We’re all very excited.

“Many parts of Derbyshire are very remote,” he added, “and some people don’t have their own transport, or they may be disabled or elderly. This is why the new mobile surgery will prove so important.”

To find out more about the services of VetCare@Home, visit www.vetcarehome.co.uk or ring 01773 302220.