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Deadline looming to submit views on PSS
keyboard and stethoscope
The final consultation closes on Monday, March 23 at 5pm.
RCVS seeking opinions on revised Practice Standards Scheme

Only a few days remain to submit views on the revised Practice Standards Scheme (PSS), which will likely be implemented in November this year.

The PSS review is now in the final stages of a consultation which closes at 5pm on Monday, March 23. Members of the profession are being asked to take part in an online survey and provide feedback on some of the finer details, such as the details of the new awards and weightings given to clauses in the awards section.

RCVS Council approved the development of a new PSS structure in June 2013, in response to criticism that the scheme is not focused enough on care standards, is burdensome to small practices and poorly understood by clients.

Under the revised scheme, extra awards will be introduced over and above the basic accreditations of core, general practice and veterinary hospital. Awards will be available at either "good" or "outstanding", in a similar format to Ofsted school inspections. Practices can choose to be inspected for some, all or none of these awards.

Nursing specific modules will also be introduced in the new framework.

Inspectors will instead be known as "assessors" and all current PSS inspectors will need to reapply and undergo training in the new "behavioural approach" of the scheme. Around 20 assessor posts will be available and the college will also recruit a lead assessor to monitor inspections and provide guidance.

A bespoke IT system will allow practices to apply online for the scheme, upload documents required for accreditation and set reminders.

Annual fees will rise to a maximum of £350+VAT for principle premises and £100+VAT for branches.

Practices that are already part of the scheme will be automatically transferred to the new PSS at their current level.

To submit your views: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/pssreview

For more information on the revised PSS: http://www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/consultations/our-consultations/pss-review-final-stage-consultation/

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.