Following a meeting between SPVS and the Royal College, SPVS president elect Richard Hillman has issued a warning that vets working in practices which fail to provide 24 hour emergency cover to patients are risking their careers, whether the practice is owned by a vet or a non-vet.

The RCVS confirmed that it will retain the requirement for provision of 24 hour cover in its Guide to Professional Conduct, despite the difficulties in conforming to the Working Time Directive.

Disciplinary action may be taken against any vet working for a practice which does not provide 24 hour cover, and vets risk being struck off even if they do not own the practice or the owner is not a veterinary surgeon.

Richard has welcomed the RCVS clarification of the issue for practising vets so that they aware of their personal liability and the potential threat to their livelihoods.

Richard said: “The Royal College recognises that there is a dilemma facing employers in that they have to meet working time regulations as well as complying with the Guide.

“SPVS wanted this issue clarified especially as the number of practices owned by non-vets is increasing.

“Although the RCVS cannot take any action against practice owners who are not veterinary surgeons, they will discipline any vets working for such a practice.

“This means the responsibility lies with every individual vet, so all practitioners need to be aware of this when they consider job offers and they must check their prospective employer is providing full cover.

“This clarification from RCVS also means that any vet whose current employer is failing to organise 24 hour cover in advance should move to another practice to safeguard their career”.