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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th May 2013
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MPs called on to protect VN title
RCVS calls for a private member's bill

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced that a letter has been sent to MPs appealing for legislation to protect the title of veterinary nurse (VN).

The college is calling for an effective regulatory system to ensure veterinary nurses who are found guilty of serious profession conduct can no longer carry out surgical procedures or administer medical treatment to animals.

Currently, anyone can legally refer to themselves as a VN, regardless of their training or education, and VNs are not subject to statutory regulation.

In 2007, the RCVS in introduced the non-statutory Register of Veterinary Nurses, meaning registered VNs (RVNs) must follow a code of professional conduct, submit to a disciplinary system and maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills.

However, while the RCVS can suspend or remove RVNs from the register if they are found guilty of serious professional misconduct, they cannot remove them from the published list of qualified VNs. Therefore, legally, they can continue to prescribe medical treatment and carry out minor surgery.

Having developed a framework for the regulation of VNs, the RCVS leading counsel has drafted a bill, which has been sent to the MPs drawn in the private member's bill ballot on May 16.

Nick Stace, RCVS CEO, said: “I urge MPs selected in today’s Ballot to take forward legislation for the statutory regulation of veterinary nurses and the protection of the title veterinary nurse. The nation’s animals and owners deserve better than the current situation.

Statutory regulation of VNs has received support from the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) and British Veterinary Association (BVA). An HM Government e-petition last year also called for statutory regulation, receiving 2,500 signatures.

Mr Stace added: "There is widespread support amongst the public and profession for such legislation, so the RCVS has had a Bill drafted by leading Counsel and is prepared to offer significant support to any MP willing to pick up this worthy cause."

Image: Nick Stace, RCVS

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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. 

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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.