A veterinary practice on the Isles of Scilly may not be viable in the future, current vet Rick Barrowman has told The Cornishman newspaper.
Barrowman, 42, who leaves St Mary’s next summer after four years, has described the living as ‘a third of a practice and a gentle workload’ - and says the practice may be vulnerable if he fails to find a replacement.
‘It is impossible for Scilly to be serviced by a mainland-based vet both for practical and cost reasons,’ he warns in a letter to DEFRA Parliamentary Under Secretary Ben Bradshaw. And he asks why Scilly should not enjoy similar financial support to remote practices in the Scottish Highlands and islands.
Barrowman has a clientele of around 350, mostly owners of small animals, although there may be an increase in cattle and ponies if the Wildlife Trust’s new heathland grazing scheme goes ahead.
He said: “My family and I have loved our time in Scilly and we hope we have given back as much as the Islands have given us - but I am just concerned about the future viability of the practice should I leave without having secured a replacement.”
Barrowman hopes to return to Wales with his wife and two daughters.