Why Choose Our Veterinary Practice 

The Practice

Historically, there was a single-handed practice in Windermere that was taken over by Tony Sansom in 1973.  Since then the Practice has developed to the four vets, 'mixed' practice (i.e. companion animals, farm stock and horses) that exists today.

Although our main premises are at the Oakhill Veterinary Centre in Windermere, we also maintain a branch practice in Ambleside.

Consultations

Consultations are by appointment only (except for Saturday surgeries that are the only 'open' surgeries of the week).  This helps to prevent lengthy spells in the waiting room with frightened or fractious patients.  If you turn up without an appointment (and providing there is a vet on the premises) you will not be turned away but, except with genuine emergency situations, clients with appointments will be given priority.

We can virtually always arrange to see your pet on the day you telephone for an appointment, but please try to telephone as early in the day as possible.  The Windermere surgery is manned from  8.00am-6.30pm Monday to Friday.

Surgical and Diagnostic Services

At the main Windermere surgery we have full, up-to-date, surgical and anaesthetic facilities, a modern powerful x-ray machine, ultrasound, ultrasonic dental equipment, ECG and extensive in-house laboratory capability, including blood testing machines.

Patients requiring major surgery or an extensive diagnostic procedure will need to attend the main Windermere surgery.  Minor surgical procedures can also be performed at Ambleside.

Medicine supplies

Some patients require repeated supplies of medicine in order to maintain their well being.  It helps us if you can order your repeat prescriptions a day or so in advance of collecting them from the surgery.

A typical situation might be an old dog requring continual treatment for arthritis or a heart complaint.  We would normally dispense one month's supply of appropriate medicine provided we are happy that the patient is stable on that particular medicine.  Please note that we will need to occasionally re-examine the patient, say every 3 months, in order to be sure that the treatment we supply continues to be appropriate.

Prescription only medicines (POM products) cannot be dispensed over the counter unless we have first examined the patient.

Non-prescription products such as wormers, ear cleaners etc can be sold over the counter.

Food

We stock a large supply of different types of pet food that we supply at discounted prices.  We also provide free advice as to what types of food may or may not be appropriate for your pet.  If you require a product that we do not keep in stock, telephone us a day or so before you require your supply and we can often arrange delivery from our wholesaler overnight.

Nurse clinics

Our nurses run a number of one-to-one clinics, in many ways similar to the 'well-person' clinics offered in human health centres.  These clinics have a number of different aims such as dental examinations, prevention of obesity and health care of the older patient.  We also run one-to-one clinics for adolescent dogs (dealing with neutering, microchipping and general behaviour) and small furries (housing, nutrition and general care of rabbits and guinea-pigs).

Puppy Parties

Our monthly 'Puppy Parties' are held at the Windermere surgery during the evening and are open to puppies between 8-13 weeks.  Topics covered include socialisation, basic healthcare including worming, nutrition, insurance and basic training.

Eye Clinics

Professor Sheila Crispin, President of the British Veterinary Association, runs a monthly eye clinic at the Windermere Surgery on Saturday mornings.