Rural vets burnt out: Locums offer temporary relief
The strains of providing veterinary care in rural areas are taking their toll, prompting one South Australian practice to seek help from overseas.
For Stacey Geyer, who manages the Riverland Veterinary Practice with three other veterinarians, the current workforce shortage is unsustainable. "We don’t have the luxury of just being on call for a shift, so our staff still work their normal workday, and if an animal needs to be seen they have to come back," she explains. "Unfortunately, our veterinarians are working 14, 15, 16-hour days which just isn’t sustainable for anyone, in any job."
This isn’t new. "We’ve been aware of the problem," Geyer says, noting the regional practice is constantly posting job advertisements. "It’s becoming a reality we’re trying to change by advertising to locum vets from the United Kingdom to join us."
Havingitects
The vastness of their service area – almost the size of Belgium – is just one of the challenges. "We service an area as large one. "But it is a reality we’re trying to change by advertising to locum vets from the United Kingdom to join us," Geyer says.
Having three locums has offerrelief."We’re also able to keep our four clinics open; providing more services for people across the region," Geyer explains.
One of those joining the team is 26-year-old Kate Campbell from Dublin, Ireland, drawn by the unique experience of working with Australian wildlife. "It’s
amazing, you see so many different cases – a lot of snakes," she laughs. "It’s been a really enjoyable atmosphere to work in," she adds, "and while people are definitely under strain, we have been welcomed and that makes a huge difference."
"As a locum, I’m always keen to relieve that pressure, even it’s only for a short time," Campbell explains. "Across Australia you can see the shortage and the pressure that all the vets are under. I like knowing we’re giving them
This vital respite. While the locum program offers a temporary fix. Geyer said.
“Even though the locums are coming in and you know providing short-term relief which is great for our other vets, I think we
need to look after them as well,” Geyer said.
‘“While we’re seeing some relief with the lessening of restrictions around working holiday makers from England and the UK, it’s certainly not any long-term solution,”
"We’re really seeking the government to help us finding some solutions for this shortage, especially in those regional areas," says Australian Veterinary Association president Dr Diana Barker.
But Geyer says it’s crucial to address the root of the problem. “We’re really excited to be part of an industry-led initiative to improve mental health for our vets, one which recognizes the emotional seesaw they experience,” Geyer explains. "Vets often go from saying goodbye to a family’s loved one,
“Located one," Geyer explains.
. “It’s becoming a reality we’re trying to change by advertising to
Improving mental health outcomes
The riverland Veterinary Practice is one of fifty clinics across Australia selected to be part of a
For Stacey.
What strategies, besides seeking international locums, could rural veterinary practices implement to address workforce shortages?
## Rural Vets Finding Relief: A Conversation with Stacey Geyer
**Interviewer:** Stacey, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Your practice has made headlines for seeking veterinary relief from overseas. Can you tell us more about why this was necessary?
**Stacey Geyer:** Absolutely. The truth is, we’ve been facing a severe veterinary workforce shortage for some time now. Our team is dedicated, but we’re spread thin covering a vast, rural area. We’re talking a service area almost the size of Belgium! [This information stems from the provided text, which describes the Riverland Veterinary Practice covering an area “almost the size of Belgium.”]
This has resulted in our veterinarians working incredibly long hours, sometimes 14 to 16 hours a day. It’s simply unsustainable in the long term.
**Interviewer:** What steps have you taken to address this critical issue?
**Stacey Geyer:** We’ve been constantly advertising for veterinarians here in Australia, but the response has been insufficient. We realized we needed to think outside the box, so we began reaching out to locum vets from the United Kingdom. They have a strong veterinary program, and many are looking for unique experiences like working with Australian wildlife.
**Interviewer:** How have locum vets like Kate Campbell, who you mentioned is from Dublin, impacted your practice?
**Stacey Geyer:** Having three locums like Kate has been a game changer. It’s provided much-needed relief for our existing staff. We can finally offer more manageable schedules and maintain our four clinics, which means we can provide more services for people across the region.
**Interviewer:** What message do you have for other rural veterinary practices facing similar challenges?
**Stacey Geyer:** Don’t give up! Seeking help from locums, even internationally, can be a viable solution. The rewards are worth the effort. Our locums bring fresh perspectives and expertise, and they truly enjoy the unique challenges and rewards of rural veterinary medicine in Australia.
