More than 500 veterinary practices have responded to a survey to gauge the impact of coronavirus on their businesses.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) sent the survey to 3,096 UK veterinary practices in April. There were 532 responses – a response rate of 17%.
Results showed that many practices had suffered decreases in turnover and reduced staffing, with many furloughing some staff. However, there were few reports of impending redundancy.
Some of the key findings of the survey were:
* Around 30% of practices reported being impacted by vets and vet nurses self-isolating or with covid-19, while almost 35% have ‘other support staff’ self-isolating
* 66% of practices reported their weekly turnover being reduced by more than half
* 97% of practices reported limiting the service they provide to emergencies or emergencies and urgent cases
* The majority (71%) of premises remained open but 5% of respondents had closed their main premises and 24% had closed branch premises
* 62% of respondents had furloughed or intended to furlough vets, compared to 64% for veterinary nurses and 78% for other support staff
* Only 6% of respondents had made, or had immediate plans to make staff redundant.
REMOTE CONSULTING
All respondents answering the relevant question reported that their practice was using remote consulting for existing clients, while 45% were using it for new clients. Around 14% of respondents said they had donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the NHS.
Lizzie Lockett, RCVS chief executive, said: “I would like to thank all those practices who took the time in what is already a very fraught situation to respond to our survey and provide the evidence we need to gain a holistic picture of coronavirus’ impact on the business and economics of veterinary practices.
“This ongoing research will be a vital tool when we are talking to government and other bodies about the impact of policy on the veterinary sector.”
One particular challenge noted was that of the minimum furlough period of three weeks, given the need for practices to take steps to offer 24/7 emergency and critical care.
The survey results can be read in full at www.rcvs.org.uk/publications.
