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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.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.