Few recognise that 24-hour emergency vet care is a privilege or realise that it doesn't exist in some other countries. But, due to pressures created by European legislation, the emergency cover we take for granted could be threatened.



The UK veterinary profession provides round-the-clock cover, but there is no law that requires vets to do so. It is provided because members have always considered it an ethical duty.



In 1998, the European Commission (EU) imposed the Working Time Directive on the UK, which became known as the Working Time Regulations (WTR). The WTR dictates no one must work more than a total of 48 hours per week and all workers must have an 11-hour rest period every day.



At present, the average equine vet works a 45-hour week and, in addition to that, does 37 hours on call (2006 RCVS Manpower survey). This is an average of 82 hours per week.



The status of on-call time is unclear, but it could mean that the average equine vet is doing almost twice the maximum weekly hours permitted in law.



The main difficulty for equine practices is providing the compulsory 11-hour daily rest period.

This, coupled with the increasing demands and expectations from owners, has led the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) to set up a consultation exercise on the future of the 24-hour commitment. This will be conducted by an independent consultancy. Options could include:


• Keeping the current system despite incompatibilities with the WTR.


Removal of obligations to provide the service.


• Permitting practices in remote areas to opt out.



There is some light at the end of the tunnel, however. The WTD directive has caused disruption throughout Europe — 25 of the 27 member states have infringement proceedings lodged against them for failing to enforce it ­— and iit seems the legislation may soon be amended to take account of groups like vets who have on-call commitments.


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