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Views sought on language testing
writing
Currently the RCVS has no power to prevent somebody from joining the register, even if there are serious doubts about their language skills.
Defra consulting on English test for non-UK vets

Vets and nurses are being asked to share their views on introducing language tests for vets who have qualified elsewhere in the EU.

Under the proposed changes, those applying to join the register of veterinary surgeons would be required to take an English test if the RCVS had 'serious and concrete doubts' about their language skills.

The college would also implement language testing for veterinary nurses in parallel with changes made for veterinary surgeons.

Each year, around 50 per cent of the new veterinary surgeons to join the register are from outside of the UK. For the most part, they are from other EU or European Economic Area countries.

Currently the RCVS has no power to prevent somebody from joining the register and practising, even if there are serious doubts about their ability to practise effectively due to language difficulties.

A Defra consultation is now underway to gather views from members of the veterinary profession.

It is proposed that prior to registration, applicants would be asked a series of questions relating to their language qualifications, experience and general ability to use the English language.

Depending on their answers, applicants may then be required to take a language test before registering, or delay registration while they improve their language skills.

Recently, changes were made to the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications (MRPQ) Directive, making it clear that competent authorities (such as the RCVS) are permitted to carry out language testing when serious concerns have been identified.

Defra's consultation closes on Wednesday, 30 September 2015. To respond, visit Defra's website: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/animal-health-and-welfare/vet_language_controls

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.