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.
EXCELLENT
Based on 111 reviews
Dirty Dogs Stop & Groom ShopThanks for looking after my girls 🐾🐾🐾🐾
Matt HalseyVery friendly staff never had any issues with the service
Mike Pryor Rock n Roll SingerAmazing staff really caring wouldn't take my pets anywhere else
Rebekah BedingfieldYet again faultless service by Rackheath vets. Jasper fell unwell around 8am. Appt by 1230 …. By 4pm he was having emergency surgery to remove a mass on his spleen that had caused him internal bleeding. Rackheath vets literally saved his life and I am forever grateful.💜💜
EllieI am so pleased I moved to this practice when it first opened. I never have a problem getting an appointment, on the day or pre-booked. All of the staff are absolutely superb. We had to have our gorgeous cat PTS a couple of months ago, but Chris tried absolutely everything possible before we made that decision. He even very kindly came out to our home on a Sunday to have her PTS, so we didn't have to distress her with a car journey. He was incredible; so sensitive and respectful. I cannot mention the vets, without mentioning the nursing staff and the amazing reception team. I think I cried at most of them, and they were all fantastic with us, and so comforting. I feel incredibly lucky to have Rackheath as my vets practice.
Nean LillieBrillant Vets, staff are friendly and really look after my dogs
Boyd TaylorTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Just registered but very friendly.