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.
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.
![1 Spaniel Puppy](https://www.rackheathvets.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1-2.png)
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)
![2 Siamese Cat](https://www.rackheathvets.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2-2.png)
Initial consultation charge – £52.50
Follow-up consultation charge – £44.00
Prescription check charge – £44.00
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.
ExcellentBased on 93 reviews
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Susan EllisVery impressed. Helpful and good availability of appointmentsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
jason allmanTHE best vets I've ever been to hands down. Chris the vet was amazing with my dog. He was so thorough, caring and friendly. The ladies on the front desk were brilliant too. A lovely environment and really caring. I only went to this vet because I saw other reviews and it is now the only vet I would use. Thank you all so so much. My dog had become nervous of vets but Chris was great with him and he took to him straight away. I hope this review helps someone else decide to use your pratice.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Steve KirbyExperience and care plus advice. Brilliant peopleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Petrina PlumsteadA very professional and caring vets who are passionate about delivering a first class service. I transferred to them after being very unhappy with my vets of 30 plus years. I am so glad my girls are being looked after by Rackheath Vets.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kerry Morris-SmithExcellent service and friendly staff. I changed to these vets recently and couldn't be happier. Prices are very reasonable compared to bigger chain vets I was with previously. My dog had an operation and everyone was so caring and wonderful.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Joe Allen-AldusGreat experience here! Would recommend to all and they look after our mini so well!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Sarah ColemanWent with my daughter as her Syrian hamster's teeth had got too long. The vet and staff there were so helpful and hammy was treated and home the same day. Fantastic service!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
John & Tracey GibsonHaving only just moved to the local area a few months ago we had to find a good Vets for our CAT CLAN of 10, and Rackheath Vets had the best reviews so we chose to use them and registar our clan with them. Our 1st visit was for our old man Charlie who had not been well for a few days, unfortunately we found out that Charlie was not in good health at all, and at the age of 13 his system was shutting down and the only thing we could do for him was to have him PTS. The entire team at Racheath Vets were so very helpful and understanding from the start and we cannot thank them enough for all that they did for us and Charlie at this time. If anyone needs a superb set of staff to help them with their pets then we can and highly recommend them. And a Thank you from Charlie as well. xxx.