Wellbeing


We strongly believe work needs to be a positive place where each individual member can flourish and feel like they are included and celebrated for the qualities they bring to the practice.

Wellbeing is incentivised with real life adjustments made to the way our practice functions to streamline our workflow and make sure everyone is doing the job they really want to do. These examples include:
- All routine health check appointments are booked as half hour appointments - although we can't guarantee that there aren't emergencies that need to be fitted in this gives us plenty of time to get a great job done!
- all new dog and cat patient registrations have to sign up to our complete care plan when joining us - this means nurses get great continuity during puppy and kitten routine consultations and the team don't need to worry about whether a pet is up to date with their parasiticide treatment or annual vaccinations at every appointment. We can promote genuine preventative healthcare in a holistic and easy way.
- We automatically send out parasiticide products to clients on the health plan through Emily and Robyn who work from home and mastermind the whole operation, dramatically reducing incoming calls to the practice and stopping that phone ringing! There is a choice of different products available for each patient.
- Every team member works different types of shifts tailored to their needs.

The list goes on! find out more below about how we monitor and keep track on the things we're doing well and the things we need to improve. Wellbeing is a dynamic team led initiative which changes over time to reflect the needs of our team.
Wellbeing champions
We have three qualified Mental Health First Aiders; Elliot, Becky and Kelly.
The course is run by Mental Health England. https://youtu.be/xMa0KflKMHg

Wellbeing initiatives
We undertake 6 monthly, individual 'wellbeing check-ins'. These 'check-in' on thirteen areas, given a score between one and ten. These include work-life balance, amount of overtime, support from line managers and feeling safe at work. The scores are averaged for the team and highlight areas we need to work on.
The second part focuses on what we do well as a team and things we can improve on. It highlights client care, patient care and self care. Results from this include;
'We have a team that is well matched to the tasks they enjoy.'
Line managers are 'approachable'.
Positive team care comments included 'Supporting each other, good chats, complementing each other, asking about personal lives. Induction check-ins were appreciated. We have a team approach, with no role divide. Tea is offered to everyone when someone is brewing up. Regular meetings and flexible working'.
The results are bought to a team meeting.

Personal development
We offer Compassion Understood training to all members of the team. https://www.compassionunderstood.com/vets
Our Client Care team have access to the British Veterinary Receptionist Association courses. https://www.bvra.co.uk/
Our practice BVRA membership allows access to many 'Colourful CPD' webinars for all of the team. https://www.colourfulcpd.com/
We have an ever-growing library, as well as a variety of journals delivered for practice use.
As you can see from our team's extra qualifications CPD is encouraged and well supported. A CPD budget is provided. Learning agreements are available for certificates or more substantial educational courses.