Author Archives: Leanne Egland

BVA welcomes Welsh Government’s clarification on timetable for dog microchipping

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and its Welsh Branch welcome the announcement from Rebecca Evans, Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, that clarifies the Welsh Government’s timetable for the introduction of compulsory microchipping for dogs in Wales.

Rebecca Evans has clearly outlined the next steps towards compulsory microchipping in Wales, including further consultation around enforcement, implantation of microchips and the recording of information. The Welsh Government is now working towards bringing in compulsory microchipping in the Spring of 2016, in line with the date announced for compulsory microchipping in England.

BVA and its Welsh Branch are pleased to have a clear timetable after a period of uncertainty and welcome the consultation on details relating to enforcements, implantation and the way information is recorded. BVA continues to stress that it is vitally important that microchips are only implanted by those trained to do so and that all databases should be properly coordinated with a single point of entry.

BVA also fully supports the Minister’s commitment to cross-border working and collaboration between England and Wales. At the same time, BVA continues to urge the Scottish Government to commit to compulsory microchipping in Scotland.

BVA President John Blackwell said:
“We are pleased that we now have a clear timetable for the introduction of compulsory microchipping of dogs in Wales, with careful due diligence given to ensure the details of implementation are right. It is important that these details are worked out and worked through before microchipping becomes compulsory – for example it is critical that it is clear who can and cannot implant microchips. We look forward to working with our colleagues in Wales and the Welsh Government to create a robust, trusted system that works smoothly and efficiently for dog owners and vets alike. We also urge the Scottish Government to no longer delay in committing to compulsory microchipping so that we have alignment in microchipping policy throughout the UK.”

Rob Davies, BVA President Welsh Branch, commented:
“Our members across Wales will be very pleased that we have both a clear timetable and a clear commitment to getting the details of implementation right. We will work with Rebecca Evans and her team in the coming year to help get the message out to vets and their clients across Wales about the introduction of these important regulations in 2016, making sure that owners are well-prepared and know their responsibilities.”

Mind Matters: substantial funding announced

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced a total of £1 million funding to address mental health and wellbeing within the veterinary profession over the next five years.

Mind Matters was launched in December 2014 and the RCVS Operational Board has agreed £100K of funding for the first year of the initiative, with a view to a similar amount per year for the subsequent four years.

Meanwhile, the RCVS intends to contribute approximately £500K over the next five years to the Veterinary Surgeons’ Health Support Programme (VSHSP). This is a continuation of previous funding, effectively doubling the College’s contribution. The VSHSP, independently run by the Veterinary Benevolent Fund, offers a confidential service that aims to combat problems with alcohol, drugs, eating disorders and other addictive and mental health issues.

“I am delighted that we have £500K of new funding over the next five years to dedicate to improving the mental health and wellbeing of the veterinary team, together with the increase to our support for the VSHSP,” says Neil Smith, Mind Matters’ Chair. “It shows the College’s commitment in this vital area, and is a substantial amount that will really help change lives.”

The funding will be reviewed annually as part of the RCVS budgeting process.

Mind Matters activities will fall into five streams:
• Learning and understanding best practice – research within the veterinary profession e.g. occupational stress factors
• Changing the culture – a programme of communications activities to help generate a positive environment
• Intervention: personal level – financial and other support for existing services such as Vet Helpline and Veterinary Surgeons Health Support Programme
• Intervention: supporting the supporters – training and guidance for those who may be working or living with someone who needs assistance
• Making changes – working closely with the joint RCVS/British Veterinary Association Vet Futures project. Further information can be found here

Mind Matters is supported by a taskforce, comprising the Veterinary Benevolent Fund, the British Veterinary Association, the British Veterinary Nursing Association, the Veterinary Practice Management Association, the Veterinary Schools Council, the Veterinary Defence Society, the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons and the Association of Veterinary Students.

BVNA Celebrates 50 Years with its Members

The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has kicked off its 50th Year celebrations by launching a new website along with refreshed branding and is planning on the celebrations continuing throughout the year with special events taking place as well as a free monthly prize draw for its members.

Each month a BVNA member will automatically be entered into a free prize draw and have the chance of winning some great prizes including; Congress registration, CPD voucher, Membership and High Street Shopping Vouchers.

Membership partner, PG Mutual, have kindly donated two prizes and are delighted to help support this important milestone with BVNA members.

The winning member will be announced each month on the BVNA website. So please look out as it could be you!

Mind Matters: New veterinary mental health and wellbeing initiative launched

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has launched the Mind Matters Initiative, to help address mental health and wellbeing issues within the veterinary profession.

“Mental Health is a significant issue for the veterinary profession. Most of us have experience of colleagues or ourselves having problems. The Mind Matters Initiative is a pan-profession project, and I am very pleased that there is active engagement from across the various veterinary associations and stakeholders,” says Neil Smith, RCVS Vice-President and Chair of the Mind Matters Initiative.

The first Mind Matters Initiative action is providing funding to ensure that callers to Vet Helpline, a completely confidential support service which is part of the Veterinary Benevolent Fund and run by volunteers, are put directly through to a person, rather than having to leave a message.

“We are able to offer confidential, non-judgemental support to many vets, VNs, vet students and members of their families who call us in distress, but we know there are more who are put off by the prospect of leaving a message,” says Rosie Allister, Chair of Vet Helpline.

The Vet Helpline number is 07659 811 118 and there is also a confidential email service, accessible via www.vetlife.org.uk

RCVS news: Webinar on Veterinary Nursing and the Law 23 Feb 1pm

The RCVS will be holding a lunchtime webinar looking at the legal issues around veterinary nursing and their implications for the veterinary team on Monday 23 February at 1pm.

The free webinar, hosted by the Webinar Vet, will be presented by Kathy Kissick, the Chair of VN Council.

During the webinar Kathy will explore the impact of the new Royal Charter on registered veterinary nurses and discuss what Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act means for all members of the veterinary team in regards to what procedures can and can’t be delegated to a veterinary nurse.

Furthermore, she will also consider the use of the veterinary nursing title in practice and consider any future changes to the legal status of the profession, for example, through protection of the title.

Those who wish to participate in the webinar can sign up here

For those who are not able to listen live, a recording of the webinar will be available to download from www.rcvs.org.uk/webinars shortly after it takes place.

Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses should bear in mind that listening to the webinar can count towards their requirement for continuing professional development.

RCVS news: 362 veterinary nurses removed from Register/List

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has removed 362 registered/listed veterinary nurses from the Register/List following the end of the annual renewal period for veterinary nurses.

This number includes both removals for non-payment and voluntary removals and is down from a total of 492 veterinary nurses who were taken off the Register/List at the start of 2014.

The deadline for payment of the annual fee to remain on the Register/List was 1 November 2014 although payment was accepted up to and including 31 December 2014.

Employers are encouraged to check that the veterinary nurses they employ remain on the Register/List, as those who are neither registered nor listed are not legally permitted to carry out minor surgery or medical treatment as defined under Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

A list of those veterinary nurses who have been removed can be downloaded here to assist with these checks.

Employers, veterinary nurses and others can also use the online Check the Register/List search tool which is updated daily.

Veterinary nurses that have been removed from the Register/List and who wish to apply for restoration should contact the RCVS Registration Department on 020 7202 0707 or registration@rcvs.org.uk for further information.