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

RCVS honours vet’s commitment to fish welfare
Professor Richards
Professor Randolph Richards CBE.

Professor Richards praised for his contributions to the field of aquaculture

A renowned vet who has dedicated his life to advocating the importance of fish health and welfare is to be presented with the Queen’s Medal - the highest honour that the RCVS can award.

Professor Randolph Richards CBE, an Emeritus Professor at the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling, was nominated by by fellow veterinary surgeon,  Dr Peter Jeffries.

Dr Jeffries praised professor Richards for his contributions to the field of aquaculture, fish health and welfare, as well as his active role in representing the veterinary profession, industry, academia and international associations.

“I’m absolutely delighted and feel incredibly honoured to be the recipient of the RCVS Queen’s Medal,” said Professor Richards. “It is particularly satisfying to receive this recognition from my veterinary peers.”

The Queen’s Medal is open to all members of the RCVS and can be awarded to one veterinary surgeon each year.

“We are proud to to present Professor Richards with this recognition of his contributions to veterinary excellence," commented Dr Bradley Viner, president of the RCVS.

“His commitment to foregrounding fish health and welfare in particular is truly exemplary, and the bestowing of the Queen’s Medal is a testament to the value of his work.”

Dr Jeffries’ nomination was supported by Professor Julie Fitzpatrick OBE, scientific director and chief executive of the Moredun Research Institute, and Professor Peter Wells, honorary professor of veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics at the University of Nottingham.

Professor Richards will receive his medal at RCVS Day on Friday, 15 July at the Royal Institute of British Architects.  

Image (C) Denny Conway of the Institute of Aquaculture

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

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."