Port Macquarie-Hastings animal care services are calling for patience and kindness with COVID resulting in reduced staff on deck.
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Wauchope Vet Clinic Doctor Michael Ferguson said staff numbers had been impacted by the virus, with two nurses currently isolating after returning positive results to tests.
"We now have to prioritise what services we can offer and provide," he said.
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) issued a statement which outlined COVID-19 is stretching veterinary services to breaking point.
"We know that there are around 125,000 doctors to look after almost 26 million Australians, compared to only 13,500 vets to look after the 30.4 million pets - let alone all the other animals that vets look after," it said.
"Staff shortages due to the Omicron variant are making it very difficult for veterinary teams to provide care to all of their patients."
Dr Ferguson described the environment as challenging and are currently just taking emergency cases, while rescheduling elective surgeries where possible.
"It's very hard to know what we're going to be faced with each day and also having enough staff on hand to do it," he said.
Dr Ferguson said the pandemic is also adding the mental health pressures people are experiencing.
"There are a lot more people who are stressed and worried, and that often comes to the surface when they have to deal with an emotional situation with their pet," he said.
Dr Ferguson is calling for patience and kindness, given the sector is already under strain.
East Port Veterinary Hospital also issued a statement to the community via its social media page urging the community to be kind, given staff are doing the best they can.
"Although we are doing all that we can to ensure we stay operational, there may be times where our staff are unable to attend shifts at short notice," the statement said.
"Extended isolation periods may be necessary.
"This may mean we have to reschedule non urgent appointments, and our resources will be stretched to the limit."
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