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Tim Hutchinson elected as RCVS junior vice-president
Mr Hutchinson called his appointment an 'unexpected honour'.
Mr Hutchinson will take on the role at RCVS’ AGM in July.

Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Council have chosen Tim Hutchinson as the College’s new junior vice-president.

Mr Hutchinson, a veterinary practice owner and small veterinary surgeon, was elected during the RCVS Council’s meeting on Friday 13 March.

A practice owner and small animal veterinary surgeon, Mr Hutchinson is a managing partner of Larkmead Vets and a director for XL Vets. He graduated from Liverpool Vet School in 1994 and joined Larkmead Vets in 1998.

While at Larkmead Vets, Mr Hutchinson sought to grow and develop the practice, team and facilities to meet the needs of the local community.

He will take on his new role as junior vice-president at RCVS’ Annual General Meeting on Friday, 4 July.

Mr Hutchinson said: “At a time of great change for the veterinary profession, with the tantalising hope for a new Veterinary Surgeons Act set against the backdrop of the Competition and Markets Authority’s market investigation of the veterinary sector, it is an opportunity to bring this experience to the heart of our College.

“It was an unexpected honour to be elected to the position of JVP and I thank my colleagues on Council for entrusting the role to me. I also reflect on my initial university application which saw a clean sweep of rejections and hope that this can inspire others from the grass roots of our profession to get involved in shaping the future.”

Members also voted to confirm Tim Parkin as RCVS president and Linda Belton as senior vice-president. Tshidi Gardiner will be reconfirmed as treasurer, subject to her reelection to the Council.

Tim Parkin was also reconfirmed as chair of the Education Committee, while Olivia Cook will replace Linda Belton as chair of the Standards Committee.

Image © RCVS

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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.