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Worthing Animal ClinicRegistered charity no. 211467Worthing's only
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The clinic, near Worthing's Morrisons store by Broadwater Bridge - click here for an adjustable-scale map and aerial pictureAbout usWorthing Animal Clinic, an independent local charity registered with the Charity Commission (no. 211467), is the area's oldest veterinary practice and oldest animal charity. It now serves, at the last count in February 2010, 7,018 registered patients belonging to some 6,700 owners. During 2009 we saw 1,935 animals for 3,389 consultations and 483 operations. Without the subsidised treatment we provide to the pets of local people unable to afford the services of a veterinary surgeon in private practice, many of our patients would suffer through not receiving veterinary care. We do not seek to compete with local vets in private practice, but to offer a charitable alternative for those of limited means whose pets might otherwise go untreated. Clinic staff Veterinary surgeon and practice manager David Thomas, BVetMed, MRCVS Veterinary nurse: Position vacant – locum arrangements in place Reception: Sue Blunden Administration: Andy Stringer
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The clinic The extensively equipped clinic is situated at Anthony House, 30/32 Newland Road, Worthing, and is open for treatment by appointment 0900 - 1600 Monday to Friday. A qualified veterinary surgeon and veterinary nurse are in full-time attendance and deliver a full range of services using the clinic's extensive facilities, which include an operating theatre, X-ray equipment, in-patient facilities, an electrocardiograph and dental equipment. Laboratory tests such as blood analysis can also be done on-site; where necessary, animals may be referred to a specialist and/or hospitalised overnight.
Scenes from the clinic, clockwise from top left: Our consulting room; a cat’s leg deliberately shattered at close range using an air gun pellet; personal safety in action – injecting a ferret; a happy event – trolley of pups; even a rabbit with a broken leg has to eat; an intestine blocked by a baby’s teat We pursue an active training policy under which all staff are encouraged to attend relevant courses. We do not carry out home visits. Charitable subsidies and eligibility The charity meets its aims by providing subsidised veterinary treatment and care to the pets of those in receipt of means-tested benefits (Housing Benefit/Local Housing Allowance, Council Tax Benefit or Pension Credit) or recognised as homeless (accredited in writing by Worthing Churches Homeless Projects or holding a Big Issue seller's permit). Clients must also live in the Lancing-Worthing-Littlehampton area (postcodes BN11-17). The subsidy amounts to about 35% of the fees charged by local vets in private practice. Subsidised treatment is provided for up to 3 registered pets. If a client ceases to be eligible for subsidy, treatment can continue for the lifetime of registered animals under active treatment, on a full fee basis if the client has ceased to receive a qualifying benefit. Further subsidy schemes are available in certain cases, as part of our policy of promoting responsible pet ownership. The first scheme provides, around 200 times annually, an additional subsidy of £28 towards the cost of micro-chipping and vaccinating puppies and kittens. The funds for this additional subsidy are drawn from a legacy bequeathed to the charity in 2003 by the late Mrs Betty Van Peperzeel. The second provides a further subsidy of 30% towards the cost of neutering puppies to help owners avoid further, unwanted, births. This subsidy is available to bitches up to one year old and dogs up to two years. The trustees are endeavouring to secure further grants and donations to enable this scheme to become a long-term feature of the clinic's work. In addition to these schemes drawing on our own funds, there is an additional subsidy, funded by Cats Protection, enabling low-cost cat neutering. Payment can be made by cash, cheque or credit card and must be made when attending with the animal. It is not a condition of eligibility that clients help the charity raise the funds needed to subsidise treatment for their pets' benefit, but we do ask clients and members to do what they can. See our Help Us page for numerous opportunities. Further information about our work in 2009/10 can be found in our Annual report - see the Charity page to access it or get a copy. We also support the community in other ways, such as educational visits to local schools, providing work experience and day release training for young people, and making free animal health information available at the clinic, our stalls and the Veterinary page of this website. Out of hours emergencies All our out of hours emergency arrangements are provided by Northdale Veterinary Clinic, Victoria Road, Worthing. Contact details are set out on our Contact page. Those using our out of hours emergency arrangements will be asked to pay 65% of the fee charged, at the time of attending, the balance of 35% being our charitable subsidy. In addition, clients will be required to show proof of eligibility (see above). The charity will not subsidise non-emergency treatment outside our normal hours, or emergency treatment at surgeries other than Northdale. Referrals Referrals by us to another practice are subsidised at 50%. Clients will be asked to pay 50% of the fee charged, at the time of attending, the balance of 50% being our charitable subsidy. |
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