Memorandum submitted by Lantra (Vet 24)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for the
Environmental and Land Based Sector. We are an employer-led organisation
licensed by Governments across the UK to determine, promote and
ensure that there are appropriate levels of skills and business
development support for businesses and individuals in our sector.
Within the industries covered by our footprint
there are a number who have a direct interest in the proposed
review of the Veterinary Surgeons Act namely:
— Equine Barefoot Trimmers;
— Equine Dental Technicians;
In principle Lantra supports the review of the
Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and feel that the provision of care
by those other than veterinary surgeons needs consideration in
relation to the current practices in training, skills and competency
development of all working with animals to be central to ensuring
that animal health and welfare is promoted and maintained, and
also in encouraging a professional skilled workforce.
Currently the legal or regulatory status of
the different industries varies considerably so the implications
of the review would require careful consideration, and industry
consultation, to ensure that any changes allow the promotion of
animal welfare and skill development.
1. Whether the provisions of the 1966 Act
are out of step with developments in the veterinary surgeon and
related professions
We feel that this is the case and would highlight
the development of equine dental technicians and barefoot trimmers
to demonstrate where roles traditionally undertaken by veterinary
surgeons are now being undertaken by others. The lack of legal
standing for these roles could potentially lead to customer confusion,
a reduction in animal welfare and a threat to the professional
and business development of the individuals concerned.
In addition the role of the qualified veterinary
nurse in veterinary practice remains unprotected.
2. Whether there ought to be regulation of
providers of veterinary care other than veterinary surgeons
Clarification as to what is understood by the
term veterinary care is required but in principle we agree that
the provision of veterinary care by those other than veterinary
surgeons should be regulated through the development of training,
competencies, qualifications and professional codes of conduct.
3. Whether the delivery of veterinary services
ought to be regulated through a mandatory practice standards scheme,
with a professional code of ethics, rather than the RCVS regulating
practitioners on an individual basis
Currently our remit only covers the veterinary
nursing profession and not that of veterinary surgeons so we are
unable to comment at this stage but would wish to discuss how
this may reflect the promotion of the role of the qualified veterinary
nurse within a mandatory practice standards scheme.
4. Whether the RCVS and Veterinary Nurses
Council (VNC) should be given the power to require continuing
professional development and revalidation
Yes, a requirement for continuing professional
development and revalidation would demonstrate the commitment
from the various industries to the promotion of animal welfare
and professional conduct. However consideration as to what constitutes
recognised CPD must be given to those areas where geographical
and business restraints may hinder attendance.
5. Whether the governing body of the RCVS
and VNC ought to include appointed lay persons as well as veterinary
professionals
In principle yes, but the terms of reference
for their recruitment and appointment would need careful consideration
to ensure that they were independent.
6. Whether the RCVS and VNC ought to have
a separate conduct committee with the powers to investigate complaints,
give warnings and to make interim orders pending proceedings
Further detail required to provide an answer
at this stage.
7. Whether the RCVS ought to have the power
to delegate specified procedures to people holding qualifications
recognised by the RCVS Council
Yes and Lantra would wish to work closely with
the RCVS and the professions to ensure that the National Occupational
Standards and qualifications developed provide the industries
with the most appropriate way to achieve this. Careful consideration
would be required to ensure that these people would be subject
to suitable levels of control and regulation.
September 2007
| 
