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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 16th April 2013
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Positive response for Safe Medicine Schema
Image: Nick Lloyd, chairman of the VetXML Consortium
Meeting to discuss proposed labelling system

VetXML Consortium has discussed its Safe Medicine Schema during a meeting at the recent British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA).

The discussion involved practice management system (PMS) providers, veterinary medicine wholesalers and distributers, and practicing veterinary surgeons.

Safe Medicine Schema is a proposed labelling system that provides access to medicine data sheets and complies with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR) and cascade.

Once developed, the system would enable veterinary surgeons to submit a form via their PMS about a patient and particular medication, to receive instant access to data sheets and guidance from an information provider.

This would provide a simple information-sharing method when dispensing and prescribing veterinary medicines.

While the need for such a system has been recognised by VetXML Consortium, the proposal was widely supported by various attendees at the meeting.

Stuart McArthur, practice manager at Holly House Veterinary Hospital and creator of the advice website vetformulary.com, said it is challenging for vets to label medication consistently and thoroughly using current software during a 10-minute consultation.

He added that recommendations by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Professional Conduct Department and cascade add to the challenge.

A key focus of the meeting surrounded agreeing to a single list that uniquely identified pharmaceuticals used within the veterinary practice.

Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) were found to be a primary candidate in order to increase the speed of information provision, allow some automation and decrease the risk of human error.

Safe Medicines Schema aims to ensure veterinary medicines are used and prescribed accurately, in compliance with dispensing regulations.

VetXML Consortium is currently working with the BSAVA, National Office of Animal Health (NOAH), Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and Veterinary Poisons and Information Service to further develop its Safe Medicines Schema.

To get involved in the discussion or find out more, contact the VetXML Consortium.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.