Vet Nurses to be given more responsibility.

Originally from: Farmtalking
                        
Part of the Government's Action Plan for Farming, includes a change in the law which will permit veterinary nurses to undertake some surgical proceedures formerly carried out only by registered veterinary surgeons.

Mr Morley told Parliament that current legislation governing procedures veterinary nurses could and could not carry out was unnecessarily restrictive and didn't help vets, nurses, animals or their owners.

Announcing the amendments, which will come into, force on 10 June, Mr Morley said:

"This is the first step in a series of proposals which will allow competent and qualified para-professionals to carry out some surgical procedures without a detrimental effect on animal welfare.

"Animal welfare is our top priority. Guidance on the proposals is already in place to ensure these changes are introduced in a way that leads to better job prospects, training and satisfaction within the profession, a better service for animal owners and continuing best practice in animal welfare.

"We have consulted widely on these changes and they have been broadly welcomed by those working with animals, those that treat them and animal welfare groups."

Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 only vets registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons are allowed to practice veterinary surgery in the UK. There are some exemptions listed in the Act which enable certain lay people, such as farmers to carry out some surgical procedures such as tail docking on lambs.

An amendment to the Act in 1991 permits veterinary nurses to administer medical treatment or carry out minor surgery not involving entry into a body cavity on pets at the discretion of their employer.