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Scottish veterinary crisis
THE veterinary sector in Scotland is facing a workforce crisis.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has published an action plan to tackle the problem, insisting that changes must be made to avert serious problems.
According to the organisation, the Scottish veterinary sector is struggling to cope with increased pet ownership during the Covid pandemic, the impact of Brexit on the workforce and the long standing problem of a sector with a poor worklife balance.
Spokespeople warn of increasing danger of burnout among workers, with fewer qualified vets and greater workloads.
In addition, pet owners are said to be becoming increasingly demanding, leading to many workers reporting growing cases of abuse and the threat of physical violence.
Scotland currently has two vet schools in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with a third set to open in Aberdeen later this year. The aim of the new vet school is reportedly to get students into practice early so they can experience life as a working vet earlier in their studies.
The plan is also to move away from all vets being straightA students and encouraging a holistic approach to the profession, sourcing students from the highlands, islands and rural areas.
