Audrey Harvey opens After Hours GP Vet in Moreton Bay

A new and rare of its kind after hours GP vet has opened its doors along a bustling road in Moreton Bay, offering immediate care for many painful pet injuries and conditions. MEET THE OWNER

Aiming to save pet owners time and hassle they’d otherwise spend in under the pump emergency rooms, an accomplished vet has opened an after hours clinic to service Moreton Bay pet owners.

Audrey Harvey has opened the After Hours GP Vet at 175-181 Deception Bay Road, a walk-in after hours GP service for pets that have uncomfortable conditions, which can’t wait til they can see their regular vet or have a long wait at ER.

Some conditions that the clinic treats are ear infections, skin irritations, minor wounds, diarrhoea, limping and Ms Harvey is also experienced in euthanasia.

Working with a couple of nurses, Ms Harvey’s clinic has a waiting room, two consult rooms, laboratory area, toilet and shower, tea room for staff and a comfort room for euthanasias.

The vet of more than 30 years said the After Hours GP Vet has room for expansion and wants to get the word out to more potential customers about the services offered.

Audrey Harvey with Morag at the After Hours GP Vet on Deception Bay Road. Picture: Contributed

“I also work part-time in another vet clinic, we’re very busy and most are shut the hours that my clinic is open,” Ms Harvey said.

“Sometimes it can take a couple of days to get pets seen.

“The people in emergency are under the pump and saving lives.

“If people take their dog to emergency with an ear infection, not life threatening but uncomfortable, they can have a wait.

“We thought an evening GP clinic would be helpful for some owners and take the pressure off emergency clinics and other vets.”

The After Hours GP Vet is in the old Covid testing facility on Deception Bay Road. Picture: Contributed

The Deception Bay after hours vet doesn’t do surgeries and will refer customers to local emergency vets for major wounds and other serious, life-threatening injuries outside its capability.

The clinic is in the old Covid testing facility on Deception Bay Road and is based on a similar clinic model in Canberra.

“I was toying with this idea for 12 months but it was about finding the right premises and fit-out costs,” Ms Harvey said.

“It was a vet surgery for many years before it was a Covid facility.

“Major wounds, car accidents, we’ll immediately refer.

“North Lakes emergency is six minutes away by car, I’ve timed it.

Audrey Harvey said her clinic aims to take the pressure off busy emergency room vets and pet owners with long waits. Picture: Contributed

Ms Harvey has worked and been in leadership roles in vetinary surgeries across Moreton Bay for more than 30 years and she also has her own part-time euthanasia service.

“The goal is to be available to people and pets that would otherwise see them waiting a long time at emergency,” Ms Harvey said.

“That’s nothing against the emergency vets, they’re under the pump all the time.

“We’re adding availability at a time when it might otherwise be stressful.”

The After Hours GP Vet is open 6pm-9pm, Friday-Monday.