rcvs practice standards scheme

Barton Veterinary Centre is an Accredited Practice.
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Pets are treated as members of the family and owners rightly want to be sure they receive excellent medical treatment.

How can you be sure?
The regulatory function of the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) has always meant that users of veterinary services could be assured that their veterinary surgeon was properly qualified and fit to practise.
 
Now, for the first time, the RCVS can offer reassurance that those practice premises which it accredits as part of the Practice Standards Scheme also meet stringent standards.
 
The RCVS Practice Standards Scheme is a voluntary initiative to accredit veterinary practices in the UK.  Through setting standards and carrying out regular inspections, the Scheme aims to promote and maintain the highest standards of veterinary care.
 
It offers peace of mind to clients of accredited practices and more informed choice to the animal-owning public.
 
To become accredited, practices volunteer for rigorous inspection every four years and will have met a range of minimum standards including hygiene, 24-hour emergency cover, staff training, certain types of equipment and cost estimation procedures. They may also be subject to spot-checks between inspections.
 
For peace of mind, people should look for the RCVS accredited practice logo, which indicates that the practice has passed an independent inspection. This means high standards of care for pets and peace of mind for pet owners.

How accreditation works
To be accredited as an RCVS General Practice, a veterinary practice:

  • Must put in place arrangements to provide 24 hour emergency cover for patients.  This might be done by the practice itself, or through arrangements with another practice or emergency service provider;
  • Must make clients aware of arrangements for checking and monitoring of patients kept in overnight;
  • Must have a system for monitoring the outcome of treatments;
  • Must show ongoing commitment to education and training of staff;
  • Must keep premises clean and well maintained;
  • Must have a policy for communicating with clients and looking at feedback;
  • Must ensure clients are given estimates of the costs of treatments and consent to procedures undertaken;
  • Have access to laboratory facilities for diagnostic testing;
  • Meet legal and health and safety requirements covering its premises, equipment, clients and employees.
 
Click here to find out more about the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme.