To Whom It May Concern.
I am writing to recommend the conscientious and consistent help and support we have received and are receiving from Foursquare Solutions (Foursquare).
Over the last 18 months, Foursquare has developed with us an entirely new computer software package specifically designed to meet the needs of our business. We began from the idea that our current system, while aged, worked well to record essential clinical details but required various additional features in order to cope with the demands of a modern practice. Foursquare were very helpful right from the first in listening to and carefully recording our requirements then creating a detailed plan of what was required. I was particularly impressed by the attention paid to producing an accurate prediction of costs at the very start as this eliminated unpleasant surprises later on. We have paid a little more than was originally predicted but this is because, in the course of development, we requested additional features to be incorporated. The initial predication of cost was very accurate.
Our new cloud-based system allows for detailed and extensive clinical case recording as well as enabling us to easily access external reports, for example, histopathology, while improving our ability to keep track of expenditure and reviewing performance. It enables record transfer between our various branches and centralised appointment making. Laboratory results produced in-house are able to be immediately transferred into the computer system thereby limiting the possibility of human error. The handy internal prescription messaging system maintains compliance with requirements of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate for written prescribing requests. In the course of the construction of our own practice-specific computer system, various very useful time saving additions have been suggested by Foursquare Solutions which we would not have imagined for ourselves, for example, the ability to scan rather than manually input information from hospital records.
The whole project was delivered in a time frame which suited the business. The original time table was extended because we were unable initially to take the time needed to prepare for the new system. Foursquare remained very patient with us as we failed to meet planned start dates due to the pressure of clinical work. We had maximum help and co-operation when the system first went live, even though this was over a weekend to limit the problems involved with introducing a system in a working environment where not all employees are equally ‘computer-savvy’. We were in very regular contact with Foursquare in the first few days as we learned better how to manage the system. Foursquare always managed to maintain a tolerant approach to our enquiries, even when we were clearly clicking the wrong buttons but were unable to figure out for ourselves why we could not do what we wanted.
We are also very happy with the on-going support. Every time we call or mail with a problem, however minor, it receives very prompt attention. When we have requested add-ons to the original software because their usefulness has become apparent after the system went into daily use, the response from Foursquare has always been consistently positive and rapid. We are still receiving regular up-dates as the system is being refined by constant use. This is a far higher level of support (delivered with a better sense of humour) than software support which we have received from other companies in the past.
Altogether, our association with Foursquare Solutions has been a uniformly positive experience so far. We look forward to our on-going association with Foursquare as they continue to provide software support for our new system.
Jacqueline Buck BVM&S BA MRCVS RVN
Practice principal
Abbey Veterinary Centre (Grimsby) Limited
