Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Vet accuses RCVS of ‘bunker behaviour’
Mr Wray's comments follow recent concerns from the profession about the ongoing debate surrounding telemedicine and remote prescribing.
Comments follow concerns over telemedicine debate 

Vet Jonathan Wray has accused the RCVS of ‘bunker’ behaviour, as he claims recently published council papers held back information on costings, and did not acknowledge general practitioners.

In a letter to Vet Times and Vet Record, Mr Wray commented on papers from the RCVS Council meeting in May:

‘I note the papers are redacted in two respects, in relation to the costs of the activities discussed and in respect of regulatory matters where advice has been sought by third parties relating to RCVS activities.

‘Secondly, not one mention exists of the members of the RCVS who constitute the lion’s share of the profession and primary source of funding of RCVS - the general practitioners.’

The comments follow recent concerns from the profession about the ongoing debate surrounding telemedicine and remote prescribing. In June, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) wrote to the college raising concerns that the debate on the future of telemedicine was held ‘in committee’ rather than in an open forum.

In response, the RCVS clarified that the session had been held in private to examine confidential legal advice.

During the meeting the council voted unanimously to conduct a wide-ranging review of the supporting guidance on 24-hour emergency cover and the interpretation and application of ‘under veterinary care’. The review will explore what restrictions and safeguards to place on remote prescribing.

The proposed telemedicine trial was postponed for the foreseeable future and the college confirmed its review will be ‘open and inclusive’.

At the RCVS annual meeting on Royal College Day (12 July), the college answered questions submitted in advance by email, as well as taking questions from the floor. However, a group of vets are said to be considering the option of forcing an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of the council.

MRCVSonline contacted the RCVS for comment. A spokesperson confirmed: ‘We have not yet received any formal request to hold an EGM’.

The college also confirmed: ‘Standards Committee is meeting in September to discuss the timeline for the [telemedicine] review and what it will look like’.

RCVS declined to comment specifically on Mr Wray’s letter in Vet Times and Vet Record.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.