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Deadline looming to submit views on PSS
keyboard and stethoscope
The final consultation closes on Monday, March 23 at 5pm.
RCVS seeking opinions on revised Practice Standards Scheme

Only a few days remain to submit views on the revised Practice Standards Scheme (PSS), which will likely be implemented in November this year.

The PSS review is now in the final stages of a consultation which closes at 5pm on Monday, March 23. Members of the profession are being asked to take part in an online survey and provide feedback on some of the finer details, such as the details of the new awards and weightings given to clauses in the awards section.

RCVS Council approved the development of a new PSS structure in June 2013, in response to criticism that the scheme is not focused enough on care standards, is burdensome to small practices and poorly understood by clients.

Under the revised scheme, extra awards will be introduced over and above the basic accreditations of core, general practice and veterinary hospital. Awards will be available at either "good" or "outstanding", in a similar format to Ofsted school inspections. Practices can choose to be inspected for some, all or none of these awards.

Nursing specific modules will also be introduced in the new framework.

Inspectors will instead be known as "assessors" and all current PSS inspectors will need to reapply and undergo training in the new "behavioural approach" of the scheme. Around 20 assessor posts will be available and the college will also recruit a lead assessor to monitor inspections and provide guidance.

A bespoke IT system will allow practices to apply online for the scheme, upload documents required for accreditation and set reminders.

Annual fees will rise to a maximum of £350+VAT for principle premises and £100+VAT for branches.

Practices that are already part of the scheme will be automatically transferred to the new PSS at their current level.

To submit your views: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/pssreview

For more information on the revised PSS: http://www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/consultations/our-consultations/pss-review-final-stage-consultation/

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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. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
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.