THE team at a Somerset vets are celebrating a welcome boost after gaining a prestigious industry award as they faced up to the most challenging year in the practice’s 35-year history.

As the Covid-19 lockdown forced many veterinary clinics to close, Quantock Veterinary Hospital remained open for emergencies, dealing with serious cases and adjusting to a whole new, unprecedented way of working.

Now there is jubilation after the Bridgwater hospital earned one of the industry’s highest quality standard awards from professional body, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

The Quantock Terrace hospital is among just seven per cent of UK practices to receive accredited Small Animal Hospital status through the RCVS’s Practice Standards Scheme.

The practice is now celebrating 25 years as an accredited Small Animal Hospital.

Feedback from assessors praised the practice team’s knowledge, positive culture and drive to always strive for improvement, an ethos exemplified by their reaction to lockdown.

Speaking about the demands of lockdown, clinical director Dominic Phillips said: “The speed with which we, as a team, had to make the transition from an all services veterinary hospital to an essential services only hospital, with all the changes and adaptations required, was breathtaking and a huge challenge – a challenge the whole team responded to with their usual and truly inspiring energy, commitment and dedication.

“This is a formidable achievement by the team, it did involve blood, sweat and tears, but it is an achievement the whole team can be immensely proud of.”

The Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) is a voluntary initiative to accredit veterinary practices in the UK.

Practices are rigorously audited every four years with assessors examining all aspects, ranging from communication with clients to infection control and clinical facilities, holding each area up against stringent criteria.

Having hospital status means the practice must have nursing teams present on the premises round the clock and a vet available 24 hours a day to attend to in-patients if required. They must also provide a range of specialist equipment and meet high levels of cleanliness and sterility.

Practice manager Helun Jones said she was enormously proud of the effort put in by all colleagues to make the latest inspection such a success.

She said: “It’s been really uplifting for the team and fabulous to celebrate. Recognising it is also our 25th year as an accredited Small Animal Hospital makes it even more special.

“Achieving the quality mark is a major reassurance to clients we are working to the highest standards and they and their pets will receive the best possible service and care.”