July 11, 2013Comments are closed.Getting 2 Zero
Establishing a community veterinary clinic – Dr John Gilmore (AWL Queensland)
AWL operates two community veterinary clinics
– Gold Coast
– Ipswich
– support in Hobart
Never made a loss, however have been able to do a lot of charity work in the community.
‘Low cost’ is a drawcard for the community
Provide an income which may be used to fund charity work.
Provide charitable discounts to disadvantaged owners.
Committed to keeping services affordable.
Provide payment plans.
No turn away policy.
Establishing a new facility
– purpose built, new facility ($1-$1.5million)
– modify an existing facility (will cost less)
– rent a building
– purchase an existing business
– do a feasibility study for five years time
– equipment ($300,000 – $400,000)
Register with the state board
– registered as a vet surgery is the minimum requirement
Specialist consultants can assist with planning and design work
Staffing
– Veterinary director
– Practice manager
– Client liaison officer
– Veterinarian
– Nurses
– Receptionist
– Animal attendants
Obstacles
– the local vets
— think they’re going to take their business
— worried that you’re going to provide a lower standard of care
— devaluing the work of vets
— So will argue that providing free or cheap desexing will not solve the problem of a perceived excess of pets.
— Some will argue that people cannot afford pets, shouldn’t have them
Running a clinic
– must operate as a business
– operationally similar to a normal clinic
– need to balance charity and business work
What we have learnt
– we don’t means test (too hard)
– people generally don’t take ‘advantage’ of offers of financial assistance
– CLO works with client who can’t afford to pay
– payment plans not available elective procedures
Promote desexing and getting to zero
Acting as a referral centre for other surgeries for people who can’t afford care.
