Veterinary Nurses
The legislation
The Veterinary
Surgeons Act 1966 (Schedule 3 Amendment) Order 2002 came into force
on the 10 June 2002.
The introduction of this amendment is one of the first steps we have taken
to modernise the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. The Act was unnecessarily
restrictive in only allowing veterinary nurses to carry out medical treatment
or minor surgery (not involving entry into a body cavity) on companion
/ pet animals.
There are essentially two main parts to this legislation: Firstly, it
enables listed Veterinary Nurses, who have had the appropriate training,
to carry out any medical treatment or minor surgery (not involving entry
into a body cavity) on animals of any species, provided the directing
veterinary surgeon is satisfied that they are qualified to do so; and
secondly it allows student veterinary nurses to give medical treatment
and carry out minor surgery during their training. This must be under
the direction of a veterinary surgeon and under the supervision of a veterinary
surgeon or registered veterinary nurse. Where students are carrying out
surgery this supervision must be direct, continuous and personal.
The legislation applies in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Guidance
Guidance is available on the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (Schedule 3 Amendment) Order 2002
Training
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has two key functions in relation to veterinary nursing. These are the maintenance of the statutory list of veterinary nurses and the award of veterinary nursing Scottish Vocational Qualifications and National Vocational Qualifications.
Page published: 5 August 2002