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BVNA urges greater role for RVNs in CMA response
“We are particularly encouraged that the CMA is continuing to consider the outdated legislation surrounding the veterinary sector” – Lyndsay Hughes.
Allow RVNs to see patients with common disorders, BVNA suggests.

The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has called for the role of veterinary nurses to be expanded in its response to the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA’s) consultation on its issues statement. 

Welcoming the CMA’s intention to explore whether the regulatory framework for the veterinary sector could be updated, the BVNA argued that permitting veterinary nurses to do more tasks would help address some of the issues faced by the veterinary sector.

In its response, the BVNA said that allowing RVNs to see patients with common disorders could help address veterinary surgeon shortages.

The association wrote: ’Implementing standard operating procedures created by the veterinary team, identifying all predicted outcomes for a patient will enable the RVN to see and treat patients. This frees the veterinary surgeon to do what only a veterinary surgeon can do; diagnose, prescribe and perform surgery.’

The BVNA also suggested allowing RVNs to induce anaesthesia ‘based on patient specific protocol driven procedures’. This would enable veterinary nurses to complete diagnostic imaging, suturing wounds, and dental work (excluding extractions), allowing veterinary surgeons to focus on more complicated surgeons and making clinical assessments.

Expanding the role could also help improve staff retention among veterinary nurses by increasing job satisfaction, the association argued.

The CMA’s issues statement set out the areas in the veterinary sector that the authority wants to look at further and suggested some potential remedies for issues it has initially identified. The consultation closed on 30 July.  

Lyndsay Hughes, BVNA president, said: “BVNA welcomed the opportunity to respond to this consultation from the CMA. Throughout the CMA’s ongoing market investigation, BVNA has championed the integral role of the veterinary nurse within both animal welfare and client care, along with the significant value this role brings to veterinary practice.

“We are particularly encouraged that the CMA is continuing to consider the outdated legislation surrounding the veterinary sector, and will continue to call for expansion of the veterinary nursing role along with protection of its title.

“We will continue to work with the CMA to inform its Inquiry Group’s understanding of the sector, and the potential impact of its proposed remedies.”

The BVNA's full response can be read here.

Image © Shutterstock

 

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Free event for the global unowned cat community

News Story 1
 International Cat Care (ICatCare) has announced a free, virtual event dedicated to caring for unowned cats to explore new ideas and ways of working.

iCatConnect 2025 takes place on Wednesday, 12 November, and is open to everyone working and volunteering with unowned cats. It will include a line-up of 12 international cat welfare experts, who will consider the bigger picture of unowned cats and explore practical, effective, and inclusive solutions.

Following the session, attendees can put their questions to the experts and share their views. They will also hear frontline challenges and real-world case studies shared by contributors working in shelters, TNR, community cat programmes, and veterinary teams from around the world. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.