NT Safety of AHs Veterinary Staff

Veterinarians are obliged to provide afterhours services (AHs) at their practices and often work solo or with very minimal staff number when delivering this service.

Veterinary practice employers have both a legal and moral obligation to ensure adequate safety for their employees.

The AVA conducted a survey to gauge the perceived or real safety risk of veterinary staff working in NT practices outside of regular hours.

It is evident from the data collected, and the experiences of the majority of respondents to this survey, that the provision of AHs services is having a negative impact on the mental health of veterinary business owners and employees and is detrimentally impacting on the profession’s workforce capacity in the NT.

Input received also indicated that information and guidance developed and provided by the AVA to members would be welcomed. The NT AVA Division will explore further how resources could be provided for members.