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Practice Standards Scheme update
PSS scheme
Jacqui Molyneux and Pam Mosedale.

Updated PSS Scheme to launch November 2015

The new Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) is due to launch in November 2015, the RCVS have announced.

The PSS is a voluntary initiative to accredit veterinary practices in the UK. At present, 57 per cent of UK practices are registered to the scheme. Through setting standards and carrying out regular inspections, the scheme aims to promote the highest standards of veterinary care.  In June 2013, the RCVS council approved the development of a new structure for the PSS.

In their VMPA session at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Jacqui Molyneux, Practice Standards Group Chair, and Pam Mosedale highlighted key benefits of the new scheme which include a dedicated online IT system, a trained and professional inspectorate and the additional 'awards' which will be made available.

It is hoped that the new scheme will place a greater emphasis on behaviours and the factors that impact upon the veterinary care of animals. It also aims to provide practices with a clear pathway to improvement and delivers significant marketing benefits by allowing them to focus and promote the areas in which they excel.

The new IT system will provide a step-by-step guide to the requirements of the scheme and will allow practices to upload evidence prior to inspection. This will free up time on inspection day. The new IT system will also provide reminders, such as when practice insurance is about to expire.

There will be a much greater emphasis on training in the new PSS. The RCVS say that they will begin recruiting for assessors in early Spring and, in addition to Senior Assessor, there are likely to be 20 posts available. Extensive training will be offered in understanding inspections and using the new IT system.

Awards are to focus primarily on the behaviours, outcomes and other factors that impact upon the veterinary care of animals. Within each award, practices would be designated as "outstanding" or "good". There will be six awards for 'small animal', five for 'equine',  and four for 'farm'. Within equine, there will be a new award for ambulatory service, where practices will be able to achieve "good" and "outstanding" without having any premises to take animals back to.

Upon launch, practices who are already registered will automatically join the new scheme at their current accreditation level.  So far, feedback from focus groups has been positive, and the awards and IT system have been tested well.

A detailed consultation will be launched at the beginning of February.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.