Memorandum submitted by the Society of
Practising Veterinary Surgeons (Vet 20)
The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons
(SPVS) represents over 1,800 member veterinary surgeons, all of
whom are involved in practising veterinary surgery in the UK,
whether in first opinion general practice, referral practices
or with charitable organisations. The SPVS liaises with its members
through direct personal contacts, meetings and its internet based
discussion group and are therefore in a good position to articulate
its members' opinions.
The SPVS is a division of the British Veterinary
Association (BVA) and has made representations to BVA on the subject
of the EFRA Committee inquiry into the Veterinary Surgeons Act
(VSA). It also wishes that the specific needs of its members to
be independently heard since the VSA is of particular importance
to practising vets compared to those in industry, research and
teaching, who are also represented by the BVA.
The SPVS wishes EFRA Committee to take note
that:
1. The SPVS does not think that a new VSA
is desirable. The present system works well in terms of protecting
animal welfare and the UK public from unprofessional vets. Although
the SPVS recognises that some elements of the VSA need to be updated
to comply with other legislation, the SPVS believes that all of
those improvements can be brought about using the "Section
60 option".
2. The SPVS is keen to bring about any improvements
that Government suggests through statutory instruments and will
with work with DEFRA, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
(RCVS), BVA and anyone else that Government suggests to bring
about those improvements. As a profession, we have already demonstrated
our willingness and ability to work with Government bodies (as
evidenced by our compliance with the Competition Commission) in
improving the delivery of veterinary services.
3. The SPVS is in agreement with the BVA
over the need to reform disciplinary procedures. We would be in
favour of separating discipline responsibilities from the RCVS
and VNS to a new body.
4. The SPVS has asked BVA to seek assurances
from EFRA Committee as to the likelihood of government acting
on EFRA Committee's recommendations.
5. The SPVS supports the proposal that the
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and Veterinary Nurses
Council (VNC) should be given the power to require continuing
professional development. However, it does not believe that a
meaningful revalidation process can be implemented at this time.
6. The SPVS believes that in the interests
of objectivity and maintaining public confidence, the RCVS and
VNC should appoint lay members, both on their respective Councils
and all committees involved in disciplinary procedures.
7. The SPVS supports the RCVS in the administration
of the Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) but does not believe that
it should be made mandatory for the provision of veterinary services.
September 2007
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