ViVet holding ‘reflection sessions’ on how the professions have met the challenges of Covid

The RCVS ViVet innovation project is launching a new series of free-to-attend ‘reflection sessions’ to encourage members of the veterinary professions to take stock of the changes that have taken place in the delivery of veterinary services in the past few years and reflect on improvements and innovation.

The first of the reflection sessions takes place via Zoom on Thursday 27 May from 12.30pm to 1.30pm and looks at how veterinary practices have had to work differently and adapt to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic and its associated restrictions.

Chris Tufnell (pictured), RCVS Council Member and Innovation Lead, will be chairing the session. He said: “In the past 15 months we have been in innovation overdrive, adapting at a unprecedented pace to transform how we work, serve our clients and patients, and continue to function as veterinary businesses in less-than-ideal circumstances.

“This event is an opportunity to take a step back, look at what has happened, how we have changed and consider what aspects of these changes we might carry over when we return to near normal working conditions.

“For those who join us, we would like to know what kind of innovation solutions you and your colleagues have developed, and share your stories and ideas to help and inspire others.”

Joining Chris on the panel will be a selection of veterinary professionals who will share their own experience of how they have had to adapt the way they work during the pandemic. Participants include Anita Patel, an RCVS-recognised Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology, who runs her own dermatology referral service, and Richard Artingstall, Clinical Director of Vale Referrals in Gloucestershire.

The event, which will feature short presentations followed by a reflective discussion, is free to attend and can be signed up to via its dedicated Eventbrite page. 

Further reflection sessions are planned for the rest of the year – these are:

• Wednesday 16 June: A special session for veterinary nurses titled ‘Problem-solving in difficult circumstances
• Tuesday 20 July: Implementing new technology
• Wednesday 8 September: Innovative technology and learning new skills

Further information about these sessions will be published on the ViVet website in due course.

If you have any questions about the sessions or would like to take part as a speaker please email the ViVet Manager, Sophie Rogers on [email protected] or [email protected]