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RVNs could become PSS assessors
vn
Currently only veterinary surgeons can become assessors.
Nick Stace hints at change during council meeting
 
Veterinary nurses may be recruited as 'assessors' for the revamped Practice Standards Scheme (PSS), it emerged at a recent meeting of the VN Council.

RCVS chief executive Nick Stace said the council could push the college harder on this point, hinting that discussions could take place before the five-year review of the scheme.

The new scheme is set to launch at London Vet Show in November. Among numerous changes, 'assessors' have replaced the 'inspectors' of old.

In recruiting the new team of 18 assessors, Mr Stace said the college has "set a different culture" by appointing those with the right attitude - putting the emphasis on support, rather than bureaucracy.

Currently only veterinary surgeons can become assessors, though VN Council chair Liz Cox said she has previously called for this to be changed.

Speaking at the meeting in Telford, ahead of BVNA Congress, Liz pointed out that often nurses are in charge of organising scheme membership, yet they are not allowed to become assessors.

This was set for review after the new scheme had been in place for five years, but Mr Stace said during the meeting that it could happen before.

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."