BVA president Dr Anna Judson has pressed for urgent reform of ‘not fit for purpose’ Veterinary Surgeons Act at the organisation’s annual Westminster dinner.
Addressing members of the veterinary profession, MPs and peers – including the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs the Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP – Dr Judson called for urgent modernisation and reform of the ‘outdated’ Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
Outlining the limitations of the existing legislation, including lack of accountability for vet practices, Dr Judson said: “Created in a different era, [the Veterinary Surgeons Act] is nearly 60 years old and not fit for purpose…it is inappropriate that only individual vets and vet nurses can be held accountable for business decisions which can directly impact on animal health and welfare.”
She also highlighted the current act ‘fails to embrace the full potential of the veterinary team’ and specifically called for the title of ‘vet nurse’ to be recognised in law, reflecting that vet nurses are highly qualified and bring a wealth of experience to practice teams.
Dr Judson added: “My presidential theme ‘a profession for everyone’ reflects my belief that we must build a thriving profession, one that attracts and keeps our people and incorporates the whole veterinary team. We simply cannot achieve this on the foundations of the current, outdated legislation.”
AMTRA said it was pleased to hear the BVA’s plea for modernisation and reform of the ‘outdated’ Veterinary Surgeons Act.
Stephen Dawson, AMTRA chief executive, said: “We support BVA president, Anna Judson’s call ‘to embrace the full potential of the veterinary team’.
“At AMTRA we would particularly like to see greater recognition of the valued role SQPs can and do play in contributing to animal health and welfare, including as part of vet-lead teams, supporting responsible animal ownership, and providing advice on prudent medicines supply and animal care.
“AMTRA is committed to continued evolution in response to the changing needs of students, the animal medicines industry, animal health and welfare, and the veterinary profession.”
