From Saturday 7 November, our Chorlton surgery opens every Saturday from 9am to 4pm for check-ups, vaccinations and nurse clinics. Here is what you can book, and what stays the same.
Why Saturdays
Over the summer we asked 412 of you what would make visits to us easier. Two answers came back again and again: shorter waits for routine appointments, and a time that does not mean leaving work early or taking the children out of school.
Weekday evenings were the other choice. But our Chorlton surgery shares its parking lot with the library, and after five it is hard to find a space. A Saturday gives you the whole parking lot, a quieter waiting room and, we hope, a calmer dog or cat on the way in.
The new hours are an addition, not a swap. Monday to Friday stay exactly as they are, 8am to 7pm, and our Didsbury surgery keeps its Saturday morning as before.
What you can book on a Saturday
Saturdays are for planned care. Two vets and two nurses will be in, so we can see:
- Health checks and yearly vaccinations for dogs, cats and rabbits
- Repeat prescriptions and medication reviews
- Nurse clinics: nail clips, weight checks, puppy and kitten advice
- Follow-up visits after an operation
- Microchipping, and updating your details on the chip
Who you will see
Dr Tom Ashworth and Dr Ewa Kowalska share the Saturday surgeries, with our nurses Becky and Sam. If your pet has a usual vet, tell us when you book and we will do our best to match you. Most of the team will work at least one Saturday a month, so a familiar face is never far away.
What stays on weekdays
Operations, dental work and X-rays need the whole team and the theater, so they stay on weekdays. If your pet needs one of these, we will book the first weekday that suits you while you are with us on the Saturday.
How to book
You can book a Saturday slot online from today, or call the surgery on 0161 496 0418. The first four Saturdays are already half full, so if a vaccination is due before Christmas, it is worth booking soon.
If your pet is unwell and it cannot wait, please do not hold on for a Saturday slot. Call us and we will see you the same day. Out of hours, the same number puts you through to the emergency clinic in Stretford.
Thank you to everyone who filled in the survey. We read every answer, and the next thing on the list is a separate cat waiting area at Didsbury. More on that in the new year.