Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Vet nurses must join RCVS register or cease practice
veterinary nurse
Around 1,000 veterinary nurses have not moved over to the register, but remain on the list.
Royal Charter approved by privy council

A thousand veterinary nurses must now make the choice to join the RCVS register or stop practising, after a new Royal Charter was approved by privy council on November 5.

The charter officially recognises the college as a regulator of veterinary nurses, effectively combining the list and register.

Veterinary nurses on the RCVS register must adhere to the prescribed code of professional conduct and be subject to RCVS disciplinary procedures and other requirements.

According to the college's registrar, Gordon Hockey, about 1,000 veterinary nurses remain on the list.

Every year since the register was formed these 1,000 trained and qualified veterinary nurses have "voted" on their annual registration form NOT to be regulated by the RCVS but to remain listed.  

In response to a question from Jacqui Molyneux at the latest RCVS Council meeting on November 6, Mr Hockey said he had written to listed veterinary nurses to inform them they will be automatically moved onto the register. If they decide they do not want to be on the register, they will no longer be able to call themselves veterinary nurses and will be breaking the law if they carry out procedures under schedule three of the Veterinary Surgeon's Act.

A consultation was launched in December last year to gauge opinions of the charter among veterinary surgeons, nurses and members of the public. However, just 11 organisations and 37 individuals responded, raising questions about the timing and methods of consultation and the absence of a simple yes/no vote.

Speaking at the council meeting, Ms Molyneux asked Mr Hockey if there had been any negative feedback on the Royal Charter. He said there had not and the response had largely been "overwhelming enthusiasm".

At the meeting, council members approved rules and protocols proposed in order to meet the requirements of the new charter and bye-laws.

The new charter will come into force as soon as it has been printed and sealed.

Lynne Hill, who chairs the VN preliminary investigation committee (PIC), requested that the council explore the possibility of suspensions as an option for some veterinary nurses who go through the disciplinary process. Mrs Hill believes that in some of the cases seen by the VN PIC, suspension may actually be beneficial to the veterinary nurse, although Mark Elliott raised concerns that this could make those nurses "pariahs" and cause them financial hardship.

Regardless of ones views on the pros and cons of regulation and whether this should be by the RCVS or "another body", it is hard to see how 1000 qualified veterinary nurses who have repeatedly rejected regulation by the RCVS can view this development with "overwhelming enthusiasm".

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.