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AMTRA launches survey into SQP role
AMTRA manages the registrations of over 6,000 SQPs.
It aims to raise more awareness of an SQP’s roles and responsibilities.

The Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) has launched an industry survey into the role and impact of Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) in the veterinary sector.

The survey will seek responses from SQPs, animal owners, retailers and veterinary teams as AMTRA works to champion the important role that SQPs play in protecting animal health and wellbeing.

SQPs, also known as Registered Animal Medicines Advisors (RAMAs), are qualified to supply veterinary medicines from a practice’s pharmacy. They are responsible for providing advice on medicine supply, use and disposal.

AMTRA is the regulatory body for SQPs, managing the registration of over 6,000 qualified individuals. It also works to champion the role and its contribution to animal health and wellbeing.

It hopes that the survey will raise awareness for the regulated profession, as well as developing a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities for SQPs.

AMTRA will also use the responses to inform the support that it offers to its registered members. This will include strategies for SQPs in achieving outcomes in the companion animal, equine and livestock sectors.

Hillary Cowley, deputy CEO of AMTRA, said: “At AMTRA we would like to see greater recognition of the valued role SQPs play in contributing to animal wellbeing, including as an integral part of the vet-lead team, supporting responsible animal ownership, and providing advice on prudent medicines supply, use, disposal, and general animal care.

“We hope the survey helps us build a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities for our profession so that we can help shape future support and continue delivering excellence.”

The findings will be published at a summer stakeholder event on 11 June at Harper Adams University.

The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete and closes on Friday, 28 March. Those who complete the survey can be entered into a prize draw for a Fortnum & Mason hamper to the value of £75.

The survey can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."