Making adjustments in our workplaces for better support

The recently released Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support (BVCIS) report on the experiences of veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and vet and vet nursing (VN) students with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities provides us with an opportunity to take a long hard look at workplace culture and the health of our profession.

This article considers the findings of the report and pays particular attention to the call made for the improved inclusion of disabled colleagues within the veterinary professions, and for awareness to be raised of the need for greater understanding of the Equality Act and reasonable adjustments. Having considered these findings, this articles take a closer look at adjustments and how these can be better used to support those with disabilities and chronic illness including those of us returning to work after succumbing to work-related stress and/or other work-related mental health conditions.