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RCVS reports recent practice burglaries
lock and key
The RCVS says it has been made aware of a number of recent burglaries of veterinary practices for the purpose of stealing controlled drugs.
Practices reminded to store controlled drugs securely
 
The RCVS says it has been made aware of a number of recent burglaries of veterinary practices for the purpose of stealing controlled drugs. Practices are being reminded to store controlled drugs safely and securely to protect themselves.

There is a legal requirement for all schedule 2 controlled drugs, except quinabarbitone, and certain schedule 3 controlled drugs to be stored in a locked container that is compliant with the Misuse of Drugs (Safe Custody) Regulations 1973.

However, the RCVS advises that all schedule 3 controlled drugs be kept in a controlled drug cabinet.

Only a veterinary surgeon or nominated person at the practice may access the controlled drugs cabinet. If a nominated person who is not a veterinary surgeon is removing drugs from the cabinet, the veterinary surgeon directing them remains legally and professionally responsible.

For the college's full guidance on this, including destruction of controlled drugs and the use, location, design and construction of cabinets, see the Controlled Drugs Guidance and Practice Standards Scheme manuals:
Many UK police forces have controlled drug liaison officers who can provide advice on safe storage. Contact details for officers by area can be obtained from the Association of Police Controlled Drugs Liaison Officers: http://www.apcdlo.org.uk/contact.html

 

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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."