Peter Robinson says the RCVS Council must listen to and support its members.

Graduates should have confidence to go beyond the routine says retired vet

When he was just nine-years-old Peter Robinson fell in love with the idea of veterinary medicine. After a rich and varied career spanning more than 40 years, he retired in October 2012. But he still carries out locum work, mainly for small animal practices, and has strong views on the future of the profession.

“Our new graduates, taught by specialists, are discouraged from treating conditions that they are told must only be treated by specialists. They are terrified of litigation. Who is going to treat the pets of clients who cannot afford insurance or referral? We need to address the training of our undergraduates so that they are confident enough to carry out more than routine investigations and surgery,” said Peter.

In his manifesto Peter also calls for out of hours services to remain “accessible and affordable for all,” and said the standards of all practices should be “regularly inspected”.

Peter has worked for the Department of Veterinary Pathology, grown a farm animal practice to include equine and small animals before moving to Dubai for 10 years where he ran a small animal practice. Peter has also lectured to veterinary nurses and been an Open University tutor.

Last month, following the resignation of RCVS councillor Bob Partridge, Peter was co-opted having come runner up in the elections four years ago.
A month on he is campaigning to retain his seat on the council. Voting closes on April 25.

1. Why did you decide to stand for election?
The veterinary profession in this country is the Royal college; it should be with us, not, as many feel, against us. Veterinary practice is stressful, working long hours and juggling work and family life. Council is there to regulate our profession as we want it regulated; it must listen to, and support its members, particularly our younger members.

2. What are you hoping to achieve if you are elected to the council?
The majority of the profession has to make itself heard. The standard of veterinary education is important, we also need be sure that our new graduates are fit for a future role in practice.

3. What changes would you like to see in the profession?
A more united profession, working together to improve all our standards, in aid of animal welfare. More work on basic standards that everyone in general practice can achieve, whatever their practice premises, and no longer promoting elite practice as the PSS does. More support for members, especially those who are just joining the profession.

4. Where do you see the college in five years?
More relative to general practice. Still in London.

5. Why should our members vote for you?
I have spent more than 40 years in general practice; I have enjoyed it all. I want future generations to do the same. Somehow we need to reduce stress and eliminate the fear of litigation and disciplinary action.

6. How can the college connect better with the veterinary profession?
The college has to listen to its members. More open days in more areas, more practice visits, more consultations. It should become less remote and appeal more to general practitioners.