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 – £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.
EXCELLENT
Based on 120 reviews
Lesley EdwardsRecently moved here with my two dogs, wonderful friendly receptionist and staff couldn't fault the vets I have seen, took time to listen advise and reassure.The practice is very clean tidy and fully equipped, would definitely recommend them to all.
Stephanie BarkerEveryone is very helpful and friendly, easy to get to and parking to. Brilliant vets!
Julie HarperThis practice was recommended to me after I had a terrible experience at another vets with my 4 month old rescue kitten where the vet was actually scared of her. I visited Rackheath vets today for her first vaccination and wow what a difference. I cannot praise them enough from the receptionists to the vet, they made me and my cat feel welcome and were so friendly. The vet gave her a full health check and her jab with no problems, she was confident and made my cat feel calm (and me!) I actually can't wait for her next appointment. Thank you for the best experience e er
Jim GeeFrom walking in we found it was a very welcoming experience. The care shown towards our pet was brilliant and reassurance towards us was second to none. This is an addition to my original review some months later. Sadly I had to have my cat (Mia Mouse but just Mouse to me) put to sleep. What a wonderful team they are at this vets. I was so upset I just dissolved but the care and understanding was second to none. The support given to me is beyond words. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Should be 10 stars!
R KBy far the best veterinary practice I have ever used. Kind and compassionate vets and receptionists. Never feel rushed.