COVID-19 has presented a real challenge to veterinary practices, not just because of the obvious changes to footfall across practices and reduced revenues, but also in the effects on their teams-both direct and indirect. That’s why Zoetis has teamed up with Simply Locums to sponsor the set-up of a unique COVID-19 Test and Trace Response Team from an established and approved list of over 300 veterinary professionals who are ready and willing to go anywhere in the UK to help practices in need during these unprecedented times.
The Response Team initiative offers practices an opportunity to get access to rapid locum response teams who can help to deliver physical clinical services to your practice’s clients while your team isolates. You can, of course, engage with your clients and the response team digitally to keep abreast of what is going on at the clinic.
Test and Trace represents a real challenge to veterinary practices across the UK as at any time, the team in the practice may be forced to isolate for up to 14 days, meaning that some clinics may have to close their doors. This was something that concerned Simply Locum and Zoetis gravely, not just for practice sustainability, but also for animal health and welfare. Whilst some practices may be large enough to split into teams to guard against this eventuality, not all can. Therefore, something had to be put in place to safeguard the small vet practices and bring a sign of help and support to those who are already on their knees through the current crisis.
Ben Sweeney, Founder and MD of Simply Locums/Simply Vets said:
“In times like these, it is important to recognise that practices, who are already stretched, may come under increased pressure out of the blue as a consequence of test and trace. Simply Locums has always been an advocate of supporting practices to continue to offer clinical services, so it was a no brainer to devise and bring to fruition a scheme to support them in quite possibly one of the hardest times ever faced by the veterinary profession. We were delighted that Zoetis shared our passion to support practices all over the UK and offered to sponsor the scheme which has made it all possible.”
Jamie Brannan, Senior Vice President, at Zoetis added: “We could not agree more with the sentiment, thoughts and concerns shared by Ben for the practices as they work through backlogs coupled with the risk of potential future disruption. Our Zoetis team had been thinking hard about how we could offer support during these unpredictable times and financially helping Simply Locums staff set up and start to market this Response Team of veterinary professionals and nurses across the country is an initiative we are proud to support.”
The practice will still be responsible for the locum staff professional fees, whilst the service fees for the associated delivery of the shifts has been absorbed by the Zoetis set up sponsorship to support those practices affected as a consequence of COVID-19.
To register your interest early with the Simply Locums team you can visit its website, email info@simplylocums.co.uk or contact the team on 01515 411 586.
