Repeat prescription services
New RCVS prescription rules from 12th January 2024
From 1st September last year the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS, the regulatory body for the veterinary profession in the UK) introduced a new guidance on prescribing prescription-only medicines.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This came into full effect on the 12th January, 2024. The full guidance can be found below.
The new guidance requires that a physical examination of the pet has to be performed every time any antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals and antiparasiticides are prescribed.
This includes topical preparations such as ear and eye drops, and all prescription flea/worm/tick products. This may effect our repeat prescription services.
The guidance is an important step towards ensuring responsible use and reducing the veterinary impact on the wider issues of global antibiotic resistance and the decline of insect populations. What this means in practice is that your pet will need to come in for an in-person consultation every time:
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• we need to prescribe medication for an ear infection (containing antibiotics)
- • we need to prescribe antibiotics for any skin problem, even a chronic one.
- • we/you decide to change from one flea/worm/tick product to another.
- • we suspect a urinary tract infection (remote/online consultation and urine analysis/culture are no longer sufficient)
- • we suspect a gastrointestinal infection (remote/online consultation and faecal analysis/culture are no longer sufficient)
Initial consultation charge – £55.00
Follow-up consultation charge – £50.00
Prescription check charge – £50.00
Flea/tick/wormer check charge – £35.00 (any other issues – consultation fee applies strictly for flea/worm products only). There is no charge if on the health care plan.
Generally, this changes little with how we work except for having to re-examine the animal if we/you decide to change the treatment needed.
We also can no longer prescribe prescription deworming products based on a laboratory report alone, we will need to see the pet for a consultation and physical examination first.
For long-term prescription medication that is not antibiotic/antiparasitic, our usual policy of requiring an examination every 3-6 months (depending on the medication used) continues to apply.
If you have any questions or concerns about the new guidance, or about our repeat prescription services the RCVS can be contacted at 02072020789 or advice@rcvs.org.uk
Testimonials
We take pride in the positive feedback we receive from our satisfied clients. Read some of our testimonials below and see for yourself what customers have to say about Rackheath Vets.
EXCELLENTTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such a kind and friendly environment, made experience really good for myself considering that it was my first time going to vets. They helped me and explained everything along the wayPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My poor dog became very unwell, very quickly. We weren't registered at a vets but a call to Rackheath and we were registered and seen on an emergency appointment. Tests were ran, scans were taken and a diagnosis was given within 3 hours. At every step our dog was treated with compassion and at every step we were given an estimate for any work undertaken. I did not worry about leaving my boy with them as everyone we came across had the same professional and caring attitude. 3 days later, we've been through many visits and had an operation. The support, advice and understanding has been critical in us feeling happy. I truly believe we've received the best possible care and they’ve gone above and beyond to care for my sweet little boy, who we can enjoy for the later years of his life now.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful practise, so kind and caring to both me and my pup. Wouldn’t take her anywhere else now 💚Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such a great vets that I trust to look after my dog well and has my dogs best interests at heart. All the staff are super friendly and helpful and the practice is always spotlessly clean, would recommend!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I visited with a friend who had a dog that needed veterinary care. The reception area is fabulous, very spacious with a separate area for cats and dogs and other domestic animals. It was exceptionally clean. The staff are just lovely, excellent customer service. I love that it is an independent vets too.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Plenty of parking. Reception staff & Nurses & Vets a fab team 🐾Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been visiting Rackheath Vets for several years now, even after moving to Hingham which is a good drive away I still attend Rackheath Vets as they are amazing in ever way, from the first moment of contact to the end of treatment this wonderful caring team are just the best, I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else dispute the long drive Chris and the team are our first point of call, thank you so much guys you're the best, Buzz and Woody 🐾🐾
