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How to reduce face-to-face contact in veterinary practices
Alternative methods of communication can be used to carry out consultations and triage.

Social distancing for veterinary teams

Current government advice states that veterinary practices must reduce face to face contact immediately, in order to reduce transmission of COVID-19. This article covers several methods of introducing social distancing measures in practice, whilst continuing to provide veterinary care.

Alternative communication methods

Use of technology, such as video or telephone calls, can be used to carry out certain consultations remotely. This also offers an alternative mode of working from home for veterinary surgeons.

Additionally, web tools – such as online chat support – emails and text messages can be used to maintain effective communication. Clients can be asked to send photos of their pets using these platforms, to aid in examinations and triage.

Limiting footfall in practice

If a client needs to visit the practice, social distancing can be maintained by requesting that only one person accompanies an animal per appointment, as well as by asking clients to wait in their cars, allowing staff to bring animals into the building for examination.

Clients can also be asked to wait in the carpark to collect prescriptions. Or these could be posted to the client's home.

If you have any suggestions on how to further reduce face to face contact in veterinary practices, please email editor@mrcvs.co.uk

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.