Names, Names, Names

We like to think that each client and patient is more than just a number to us. We use your name to find your patients, and we really don't like it when we can't find the records for you and your pets, as it can lead to unnecessary risks to your pets and potential loss of records.

You can help us by remembering whose name is recorded as the owner of your pets and using that name consistently.

In these days of blended and non-traditional families and inconsistent use of the old traditions for names of couples, we often have confusion over names between partners, which can make it hard to find your patients' records. We have no problem with which names you choose to use, but we do ask for consistency. We usually get there, but occasionally we get duplicate records which are confusing and can result in incomplete medical records and difficulty accessing histories, especially in emergencies.

So PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE help us by deciding which family name you will use for the recorded ownership of your animals with our practice, and using the same name consistently. Unfortunately, at this stage our records system can't search for multiple owners for the one patient.

We will all appreciate your help in keeping our important medical and financial records safe and secure.