A NORTH Yorkshire vets’ practice has become the first in the county to gain awards in a new assessment scheme run by representatives from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and other major veterinary organisations.

In the Small Animal category of the Practice Standards awards Holmefield Vets of Selby were judged to be “outstanding” in the client service section and “good” for their patient consultation services.

The award assessor said in her report: “This is a modern, forward-thinking practice with a welcoming feel.

“The staff are friendly and it is clear from the clients that the practice is considered part of the community.”

Holmefield Vets gained the “outstanding” award for the way they communicate with clients in areas such as reminder texts for vaccinations and treatments, welcome packs for new clients, their loyalty scheme, modern website and active social media profile.

Louise Davison, Holmefield Vets director, said the practice only gained “good”instead of “outstanding” for patient consultation because it did not yet have separate waiting areas for cats and dogs. We are shortly to begin a major expansion of our Brayton surgery and this will address that issue as well as providing a wide range of additional benefits, so we are hoping that this will enable us to get the award upgraded.”

The awards were presented during the British Veterinary Nursing Association Congress.