Keep Langford Vets Cardiff Open!

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

The Board at Bristol University who own Langford Vets is threatening to close its Cardiff Veterinary Practice on on Friday 13 March 2015.

The practice was only opened on 31 May 2014 and already has a loyal group of customers who very much value the excellent care, expertise and genuine concern for our pets displayed by Sylvia, Jackie, Elena and Nicole. Many of us followed Sylvia from her previous surgery and the prospect of losing her is quite simply devastating : it is not over-exaggerating to say that we do not trust our pets with anyone outside of Langford Vets Cardiff.

The area where the surgery is does not have a local vet and to close this surgery would therefore mean people and their sick pets would have to travel a long way to receive care.

The decision by Bristol University is disappointing because we do not feel that the team have been given enough time to build the business. The practice has only been open for nine months and this is not a sufficient time to build a client base or a reputation. There also seems to have been very little local advertising to make local people aware that the surgery has opened - most people still think the PDSA are there! - and Bristol University should accept some responsibility for this lack of promotional support.

It also shows a considerable lack of concern for the welfare of the pets registered there. My cat is booked in for a procedure this week - if the surgery closes next week who will be responsible for his ongoing care? Similarly, another of my cats has a long term condition requiring monthly injections - closure next week does not allow for me to make a considered decision as to his future care. I am sure I am not the only client in this situation. This decision seems to display a complete lack of compassion and recognition of the needs of current clients and their pets. You would not close a GP surgery without allowing patients adequate time to plan their future medical care so why do Bristol University consider the needs of our animals to be any less important?

We therefore plead with Bristol University to reconsider their decision to close Langford Vets Cardiff and give them reasonable time (- with adequate support) to establish themselves and their reputation. Perhaps they would consider establishing some form of operational steering group to include representatives from themselves, from the Cardiff practice and some clients so that we can all be responsible for our vets and our pets?

Please don't make this drastic decision without consulting with the people who really care about Langford Vets Cardiff.