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Two-thirds of vets continue to work when sick
A small number of vets said that they avoided taking sick leave for financial reasons owing to a lack of, or very limited, sick pay.

BVA survey highlights problem of presenteesim
 
New figures released by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) show that almost two-thirds of vets (63 per cent) attended work last year when they did not feel well enough. The Association is warning that ‘presenteeism’ - or people coming into work when they are ill - is a problem in the profession and may have a prolonged impact on the wellbeing of vets.

More than 1,300 BVA members responded to the BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey, carried out between April and May 2019. Of these, 69 per cent of locum vets and 64 per cent of employees said they have worked when they have not felt well enough, as did 57 per cent of partners and the self-employed.

Around 18 per cent of respondents said they did not take sick leave because they felt uncomfortable doing so. The figures show this is more common amongst vets under the age of 35 (25 per cent) and female vets (21 per cent compared to 11 per cent of male vets).

In light of these findings, the BVA is reminding vets that they have the legal right not to work when they are not well enough to do so and that any concerns should be discussed with managers.

“We know that veterinary workplaces are under enormous pressure from staff shortages, and none of us wants to feel like we are letting our colleagues down, but presenteeism only stores up more problems for the future,” said BVA president Daniella dos Santos.

“Working when you are ill puts your own health and wellbeing at risk longer-term and can also put your colleagues, clients and patients under your care at risk.

“It’s particularly worrying that some of our colleagues feel pressure to work when they feel unwell, especially younger members. As a profession we have made huge steps forward in recognising the issues around mental health and supporting one another and being physically unwell should be the same.”

Among the reasons cited by vets for not taking sick leave include concerns about the impact on colleagues and worries about “letting the team down”. One respondent said: “Because I would leave the practice understaffed, and the remaining vets would have to work a lot harder and longer as a result.” Another said: “Being ill is not an option. The practice is short-staffed.”

A perceived culture of working through sickness was also reported by some vets. One noted: “The veterinary industry, on the whole, has a 'phone in dead' policy ie don't call in sick!” and another explained: “[I] feel that I am judged for taking time off, even when I lost my voice and was unable to consult.”

A small number of vets said that they avoided taking sick leave for financial reasons owing to a lack of, or very limited, sick pay.

Ms Santos added: “Anyone who is concerned should speak to their manager and remember that BVA members can always get free advice and support via the BVA legal helpline. Ultimately, it’s important to create a workplace culture that supports the entire veterinary team to prioritise their own physical and mental health.”

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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.