Action Line #90405-Base vet clinic

  • Published
  • By 39th Air Base Wing,
  • Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Complaint: 

My concern was regarding the Base Vet Clinic. I have always received great customer service from them, however, my concern is about something else. At all the other bases that I have been stationed at children under the age of 12 were not allowed in the Vet Clinic. This rule was put in place for the safety of the children AND the animals who are there. I was just wondering why the policy isn't the same here. I understand that it would be a slight inconvience to some parents (I have 4 children myself). However I think it's just something that in the long run would be better for everyone. Going to the vet is something that normally only happens a few times a year, so I don't think that asking people to make other arrangements for their children would be that bad. I was just hoping this might be a policy that you consider implementing. Thank you for your time.

Response: 

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on our position on children at all types of appointments in the Medical Group which includes the Vet Clinic. Experiences vary greatly among bases, my personal experience has been that children have been permitted in with the vet. Interestingly, your experience has been the opposite. Here at our Medical Group, we try to permit children to accompany patients into as many clinics as safely possible. With the exception of Women's Health, children are permitted in all clinics to include the Vet Clinic and they have enjoyed their appointments. We've chosen to allow children to accompany parents because it is the most customer friendly solution. We expect parents to be parents and control their children and we expect pet owners to be conscientious pet owners and control their pets. If either parents or pet owners fail in their responsibilities, they are asked to leave and the appointment is rescheduled. Failure to comply with their responsibilities could result in denial of access, delay in care or denial of future appointments. To reiterate, Air Force Instructions and patient safety guidance allow children to accompany parents and we have had great support from parents and pet owners. Your insight, thoughts and questions have helped us reconfirm the fact that we have a safe and customer friendly environment. Thank you for your input.