Originally from: Pat Gardiner
                        
Interesting stuff, isn't it?

I think the key quote is "This applies to professions across the board and not just to the veterinary profession."

Self regulation has broken down and something must be done urgently not just to restore order, but to restore public confidence. As I read it, no disciplinary procedure would have any authority over the State Veterinary Service vets and the Privy Council role seems to be unchanged, (I'm open to correction!.) Effectively that means even for private vets, RCVS disciplinary procedures when resulting in striking off are all interim anyway.

So really no change on any of the central issues in respect of recent livestock epidemics.

However, whatever the legalities it is quite clear that the RCVS failed in their duty to speak out on behalf of animal welfare, a situation that continues in respect of the PMWS epidemic. They are in the dock on that subject and the latest revelations about Waugh are going to increase the pressure.

They still haven't got the point and if they think they are going to solve their poor reputation by a few polite non-critical placemen and women, they are wrong.

They could do much by making sure that they take critics on board, but how to ensure that they do it?

(No, I'm not applying either.)

You won't get any improvement until someone makes it clear in words of one syllable publicly uttered that the present situation will not be tolerated any longer. That has to be either the courts or the government.

Circumstances will probably drive the old guard out of office and a new regime in.

Those waiting in the wings should be now building bridges with their critics – and they ought to be here on this thread right now.

If I was a young progressive vet eager for change, I would be here now and talking to people like you Frances even if they find me still too strong for their taste.

Tally Ho!

Pat Gardiner