The Veterinary Support Group strongly believes the islands should never be left without a vet. Equally, however, it is important our islands' vet should be able to take holidays and attend courses on the mainland to allow further professional development. The provision of locum cover has been another priority, therefore. We do not actually remunerate the locums; however, we are willing to cover their travel costs to the islands.

The logistics of getting locum cover here on the islands are complex. Other vets are either busy working in their own practices, or to work through an agency - the fee is £200 a day minimum. This is not an issue for larger practices, but here on the islands it is not financially viable. Furthermore, we have found that because lots of vets specialize in certain areas some were put off coming to Scilly because of the range of animals we have here from sea life, livestock, exotic and domestic, (not to mention having to be on call 24/7 – a reminder that we are very lucky at present to have our resident vet Dr Dorn who is happy and able to treat any animal in need of care.)

So, we were able to fund and facilitate a recent advertisement placed in the Veterinary Record magazine and web site, to advertise for locum cover here on the Isles of Scilly. Dr Dorn had several calls from vets who saw the ad and were keen to help out. We now have a list of vets we are able to call upon when needed.