BVNA releases COVID-19 guidance for VNs

The BVNA has released updated guidance for VNs in practice in the wake of the Government’s announcements this week designed to “flatten the curve” of coronavirus infection.

Despite initial confusion following Monday’s announcement by prime minister Boris Johnson about the businesses that could remain open and services that could be provided, it has been confirmed veterinary practices are exempt from the business closure order.

Urgent and emergency care only

The BVNA is having weekly update meetings with the BVA, RCVS and other organisations to ensure it can give the most up-to-date information during the ever-changing situation.

The guidance stated: “For the next three weeks we are in a ‘lockdown’. We must only provide urgent and emergency care; this is treatment that cannot wait three weeks.

“We must also be practising social distancing.”

Advice

Veterinary professionals are urged to follow this advice:

• Split teams to the absolute minimum needed in practice. Try to keep the same teams together to minimise crossover.
• Triage and take history over the telephone. Consider using video calls to consult remotely.
• Encourage clients to email prescription requests and give yourselves more time to achieve this – your standard 24-hour turnaround can be adapted.
• If you are posting prescriptions, aim to reduce this to one postal drop off each week.
• Encourage clients to wait in the car until you are ready for them to come in for their appointment and consider only bringing the pet into the clinic.
• Encourage payments over the telephone and avoid cash transactions where possible.
• Work from home as much as possible.
• Reduce the footfall of clients to your practice, protect your staff and be responsible for encouraging the public to not come to the vets unless it is an emergency.
• Practise good infection control procedures.

‘Do your bit’

BVNA president Jo Hinde said: “I implore all veterinary staff to follow current advice and make changes so you can do your bit to limit the spread of COVID-19.

“These Government-imposed restrictions are non-negotiable for the next three weeks. Let’s all work together to help save lives, and be a part of the solution and not the problem.”

The BVNA members advisory service is available for its members needing support or advice – and for nurses facing financial hardship, the Daphne Shipman Benevolent Fund could help.