Charity reports major increase in demand for veterinary services
UK charity PDSA has announced that it has delivered 500,000 remote appointments since early 2020, as demand for the charity's services has surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The charity introduced a phone appointment system in March as a response to the first lockdown. Within weeks it was delivering some 2,000 phone appointments daily – this has now risen to over 2,300 a day – helping pet owners to still receive vital veterinary advice despite the restrictions.
Remote consultations have allowed PDSA to keep both staff and clients safe while still offering advice and posting out or delivering essential medications. This has also kept footfall in the charity's 48 pet hospitals low, so that life-saving surgeries can still take place safely.
PDSA's income decreased by £3m a month in 2020 as a result of cancelled fundraisers and the closure of it's charity shops. There has also been an increase in demand for PDSA's services as people have lost income as a result of COVID-19.
For this reason the charity is asking for public support, to help it's veterinary teams continue to help pets and owners across the winter.
PDSA veterinary surgeon Paul Manktelow said: “Delivering half a million remote appointments in eight months just shows what vital assistance PDSA provides for a huge number of pet owners.
"For many, we are their only emergency service – a safety net when times are tough, but we rely entirely on generous public support to keep our charitable veterinary services running.
“As we enter what is likely to be a challenging winter, we know many people are facing extremely difficult times through no fault of their own, and their pets are a lifeline, providing unconditional love and comfort during these worrying times. We greatly appreciate every donation, to help us to continue to be there for much-loved pets in need.”
FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.
