A VETERINARY practice has launched a groundbreaking scheme to make its facilities accessible and comfortable for all pet owners.

Medivet Ramsbottom has introduced resources to make visits to the practice easier for children with sensory sensitivities, caused by conditions such as autism.

Highly sensitive individuals can have strong reactions to especially stimulating situations, like visiting somewhere new, often creating a difficult and stressful experience for them and parents.

Among the resources introduced is a booklet explaining what happens at the practice which can be sent to children ahead of their visit.

The practice has also placed a box of sensory objects in its waiting room to reduce stress by helping keep people occupied.

Later this year Medivet is set to be refurbished, enabling it to further increase its accessibility to all clients.

Ian Ross, veterinary surgeon and branch partner, said: “One of our clients has a daughter with autism and contacted us before her visit to discuss how we could make it easier for her. This made us think and we started exploring what we could do to make our environment more accessible and welcoming, not just for those with sensory sensitivities but also for those with any condition or disability that could make visiting us difficult.

“As we’ve found with the steps we’ve already taken, sometimes just a few simple things can make a real difference to children and their families. We have just started on this journey but it will be a big focus for this year and we encourage any clients to contact us ahead of their visit and suggest how we can help.”