Some veterinary nurses felt worried about their lack of confidence regarding minor surgery

RCVS outlines plans for review at BSAVA Congress

Veterinary nurses were asked to "think big" in a practical workshop considering the future of Schedule 3 at BSAVA Congress this afternoon.

In August 2015, a petition was launched urging the Government to legally back the ‘veterinary nurse’ so that only those registered with the RCVS can refer to themselves as such.

By close of play on Sunday 14 February the petition had gathered signatures from some 36,000 people across the UK.

In January 2016, Defra responded to the petition saying that, while it recognised the important role that veterinary nurses have in animal care, it did not recommend that Parliament give the title legal protection.  

However, Defra agreed to work with the RCVS to review Schedule 3, which outlines which veterinary procedures can be delegated to registered veterinary nurses.  

Speaking to BSAVA Congress delegates on Friday (8 April), Ben Myring, RCVS Public Policy and Affairs spokesperson, outlined what the review would include. He said that the RCVS will:

    •    Undertake a comparison with overseas veterinary nursing professions
    •    Conduct 'info gathering' sessions
    •    Set up a Working Party later this year
    •    Form a position on when reform should be, and then enter negotiations with Defra

Delegates were then asked to break into groups for one of the first 'info gathering' sessions of the Schedule 3 review.

Veterinary nurses were asked to consider Schedule 3 in practice, advanced veterinary nursing, and the RCVS guidance on Schedule 3.

"There are some wider legal implications that may make some reforms difficult or impossible," said Ben. "But think big!"

Feedback from the session revealed that veterinary nurses would like to see a specific lists of tasks that they can or can't perform.

Some veterinary nurses felt worried about their lack of confidence regarding minor surgery, while others felt that they did not have enough opportunity to practice such tasks - especially in small practices.

Another issue raised in the session was the availiability of nurses for vet surgeons to delegate work to.

Should VNs make more use of VCAs and, if so, do these also need to be regulated?