Gail Walker’s beloved dog, Lucy, faced a dire health crisis in Bunbury, prompting a plea for improved veterinary services in the region. Lucy, a 13-year-old Maltese shih tzu with a history of heart issues, deteriorated rapidly on May 12. Despite efforts to contact local vets, Walker was repeatedly advised to seek emergency care 125km away in Baldivis, a suburb of Perth.
Frustrated and emotional, Walker recounted, “I watched my poor little dog suffer for 15 hours, unable to move her to get the help she needed.”
The situation reflects ongoing challenges in Bunbury’s veterinary care, exacerbated when local clinics ceased weekend emergency services in 2022 due to severe staff burnout. Dr. Rob Hill, owner of Treendale Pet Medical, attempted to maintain these services but found the demands unsustainable, citing personal strain and industry-wide difficulties in attracting and retaining veterinarians.
“The younger generation seeks better work-life balance, which is understandable, but it poses challenges in regional areas where demand for services remains high,” Dr. Hill explained. “We’re actively recruiting to lighten the workload across all hospitals in Bunbury.”
Katie Kreutz, WA Division President of the Australian Veterinarian Association, echoed concerns about the broader shortage of after-hours veterinary care across Australia and New Zealand. She highlighted the unique challenges faced by rural vets who juggle regular practice with emergency on-call duties.
Proposals for addressing Bunbury’s veterinary care gap include establishing a dedicated 24-hour emergency animal hospital, an initiative supported by Dr. Hill’s acquisition of adjacent land. However, operational costs and staffing shortages present significant hurdles to realizing this vision.
“In the short term, a rotating weekend roster among Bunbury’s veterinarians could alleviate immediate pressures,” Dr. Hill suggested.
As Bunbury residents like Gail Walker continue to advocate for improved veterinary services, the community remains hopeful for sustainable solutions to ensure prompt and accessible care for their beloved pets.
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