Vets Now: clarity on sleeping and napping in clinic

On behalf of BVA members, we’ve sought clarity from Vets Now on recent changes to its company policy permitting staff and locums to sleep or nap in clinic during night shifts, which is important in tackling fatigue, and ensuring the wellbeing of both staff and the animals in their care.

Vets Now has confirmed the company-wide suspension is a temporary measure, put in place following routine safety checks at a number of its clinics, where it was found there were concerns about the adequacy of fire precautions to allow for safe sleeping or napping.

Vets Now has confirmed that an investigation, led by independent assessors, is underway to establish the extent of the safety issue across all its clinics. As of 13 June, 20 clinics have been able to resume the provision of sleeping or napping during night shifts. Vets Now will update its staff on the situation weekly.

We expect all veterinary practices across the profession to ensure safety at all times. This includes fire safety but also prevention of fatigue through the ability to take appropriate breaks and naps on shifts.

Workplace and employment support and resources are available to members via BVA’s Employment Hub on our website.