We would like to wish our VPIS members and all those working in the veterinary profession a very happy new year. Here we are at the beginning of 2022 still in the grips of the pandemic which we hoped we would see the back of last year. The last 2 years have seen veterinary practice change significantly, not just due to COVID but also due to Brexit leaving many practices with staff shortages and a dramatic increase in the number of pets in the UK putting extra pressure on already stressed veterinary teams. Hopefully during 2022 we can start to regain some normality.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the VPIS. We could not sustain our service or continue our research without you. Our caseload increased by 40% in 2021 to over 21,000 calls of which 43% were to our Animal PoisonLine service for owners. We hope that triaging your toxicology cases through APL has helped reduce your workload and has at the same time reassured your clients.
A very happy New Year from all the VPIS team and we look forward to continuing to support you throughout 2022.
Nicola Robinson BSc MA VetMB MRCVS
VPIS Head of Service
