RCVS 'Under Care' consultation extended
Dr Melissa Donald.
The RCVS has extended the deadline for responses to its consultation of proposed reforms of 'under care' and 24/7 emergency cover.
In an update on its website, the College said the consultation has been extended 'in view of current national events', referring to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the period of national mourning.
The consultation will now remain open until 5 pm on Monday, 26 September 2022.
Launched in July 2022, the Under Care consultation seeks to garner opinions from all veterinary professionals - including veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, students and the wider veterinary team - on the proposed reforms, as outlined on the RCVS website.
The consultation was given the green light at a meeting of RCVS Council on 6 July, during which members also voted for a separate consultation with the animal-owning public.
RCVS president Dr Melissa Donald, former chair of the Standards Committee, said the consultation “is a crucial opportunity for veterinary colleagues to tell us whether we have got the draft guidance right, whether the proposed safeguards are sufficient, and whether there is anything we might have missed or should amend.”
Professionals originally had until 5 pm on Monday, 12 September to submit their responses.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
