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.
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 – £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 102 reviewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Boyd TaylorJust registered but very friendly.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Jessica MallettI need share how absolutely BRILLIANT Rackheath Vets is 🤩 My girl (choc lab) and absolute world had her spay back in June. I was absolutely terrified for how she would be after the surgery. But thanks to the incredible surgeons her recovery was a breeze! Firstly she had standard spay but the cut was absolutely tiny even smaller than key hole ones I've seen. They shaved a minimal amount, so her fur grew back quickly. The cut was sewn up so neatly it healed very well. She has had no bladder issues which shows what a careful professional job they did. And they cared for her so well that she is not scared to go back at all. She was very excited actually for her post op check up! They always have someone to answer the phone and we're beyond supportive when I voiced my worries prior. I can't thank them enough for treating my girl like their own 🥰🐾Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Beth AllenOnly recently moved to Rackheath vets and we had our first proper appointment today with Chris who was lovely and understanding of my anxious basset hound! 10/10 and will recommend to all family and friends.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Karen StoneWelcoming with expert advice at reasonable prices. Highly recommend.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Laura KempAlways a pleasure to visit with my pet. Very friendly and helpful.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Adrian PettittGreat independent genuine service from a practice that puts patients first.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Jake HillyardI can’t recommended Rackheath Vets enough. We got a same day appointment for our dog who was end of life. From calling, to arriving and being seen, each and every staff members we interacted with were so compassionate during an emotional time. Follow ups to confirm cremation arrangements and collection were equally smooth, speedy and great. Thank you so much for making a difficult time easier, Sky and ourselves were treated with so much dignity and respect.