Veterinary charity RCVS Knowledge has launched a new course Managing Veterinary Medicines: Staying legal and promoting safety; a free online course for veterinary teams to improve their medication safety in practice.

With six hours of free CPD, Managing Veterinary Medicines provides knowledge on safe and responsible use of veterinary medicines and medicine regulations. 

The course has been produced in collaboration between RCVS Knowledge and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), and includes a broad range of webinars, podcasts and articles.

Executive director at RCVS Knowledge, Chris Gush said: “In England alone, more than 1,700 people die yearly because of medication errors. While we don’t know the true figures in veterinary medicine, we do know that 30% of errors reported to the VDS’s VetSafe system are due to medication errors.

“That’s why we think it’s vital to have good robust systems in place in the practice dispensary and to use QI tools like guidelines, protocols, and checklists.

“We are pleased to have worked alongside the VMD to produce this fantastic course that will help veterinary teams improve their medication safety and ultimately save lives.”

Abi Seager, chief executive of the VMD, said: “Managing Veterinary Medicines will help teams comply with legislation as well as keep patients, team members and clients safe when prescribing and dispensing medicine.”