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

Fewer RVNs removed from RCVS register
The RCVS moved to a fully digital renewal system in 2020.

Improvements to annual process have simplified communications.

The number of veterinary nurses being removed from the RCVS Register for non-payment of their annual renewal fee has fallen to its lowest since 2020.

This year, 331 veterinary nurses were removed from the register (1.3 per cent of RVNS) compared to 415 at the beginning of 2024 (1.8 per cent) and 328 (1.49 per cent) in 2023.

It comes after the College moved to an online-only system in 2020, and began emailing veterinary nurses about the process, instead of sending them letters and renewal forms by post.

RCVS head of registration Nicola South said: “We are glad to see only a very small proportion of veterinary nurses were removed from the Register this year and this is largely down to improved and simplified communications, including the use of text message reminders which can be more effective in terms of ensuring renewal completion and providing answers to frequently asked registration questions on our website.

“For the past few years, we have also improved our annual renewal process by working with some of the larger veterinary employers to ensure that all their employees’ details are recorded centrally which makes the process of renewing their registration in bulk much easier. Making every employee aware that their employer will be paying the fee, again, makes the process much smoother as fewer communications need to be sent.

She added: “Of course, we are never resting on our laurels and will continue to work to improve the annual renewal process for both veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses so we welcome any constructive feedback about how we can do better.”

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."