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Next steps taken in VN Regulation move
VN Council voted to alter RCVS Charter

Members of the Veterinary Nurses Council have voted to alter the RCVS charter to include a new category of college membership for nurses at their last Council meeting on 8th May, but the wider profession will not be consulted as the proposal goes forward.

At the meeting, council members voted in favour of both continuing to be regulated by the RCVS, and for the RCVS charter to be amended to provide a new category of membership for VNs - thereby potentially addressing the legal anomaly that allows RVNs struck off the college register to continue carrying out Schedule 3 work.

The decision to bypass consultation of the wider profession on the decision was queried by council member Andrea Jeffery, but was dismissed, and the draft statement will now return to the legislation working party for consideration.

The move heralds the next step in the move to tighten up the regulation of the veterinary profession, which has already seen the RCVS in ongoing discussions with Defra over achieving overall statutory regulation for nurses.

Currently, veterinary nurses can register with the RCVS to become RVNs, who follow the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses. However, those on the Schedule 3 list whose names are not included in the Register are still able to practice, using the title Veterinary Nurse and the post-nominal letters VN.

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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.