The removal of names from the RCVS Register of Veterinary Surgeons for non-payment of retention fees is now complete, with 386 veterinary surgeons having been removed, compared with 616 last year.
The RCVS says that the administration involved with removing a name for non-payment is time-consuming and costly. Hence, to be restored to the Register, the veterinary surgeon must pay the appropriate annual retention fee, and the restoration fee, currently £294, which multiplies each time if fees are not paid in successive years.
The College writes to members' Register addresses to remind them when fees are due and, where an email address is maintained by the member as part of their formal record, also sends an email. It is, however, the responsibility of members to inform the RCVS Registration Department of any changes to their contact details and to ensure that payment is made. It is illegal for veterinary surgeons to practise or undertake any veterinary-related activities if their name does not appear on the RCVS Register as a home-practising member.
To help ensure that members removed for non-payment are aware that they have been removed from the Register, the full list of those removed for non-payment and not restored by 10 June can be downloaded from RCVSonline. The current status of individual veterinary surgeons can be checked online (www.rcvs.org.uk/checkregister).
A veterinary surgeon whose name has been removed from the Register and who wishes to restore him or herself should view the information on restoration to the Register.
Alternatively, please ring the RCVS Registration Department on 020 7202 0707. Restorations made since 10 June are not shown on this list.
PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.
Was I the only one who read this, then clicked through to check I was still interested? I *know* I paid my fees but better safe than sorry....
Jacq
No,I did too. Once (nearly) bitten, twice extremely careful.
Tim.
I was one of those 386 removed!
Glad I no longer have to pay the unfair veterinary surgeon tax. The RCVS is well past its use by date. I now practice outside the Uk. It cost me 25 GBP in a one off registration fee in my new adopted nation!
Mark
I know how you feel, Mark. I suspect that many on the list are in a similar situation to you. I sometimes wonder about my own misplaced loyalty. For the last 20 years I have worked overseas (privately employed; not in a practice) and have paid the fee every year, but for what? Unlike the BVA I do not receive regular journals and other odds and ends, just chiding letters when the payment slips up or I don't appear to be doing any CPD.