The RCVS
introduced their three level Practice Standards Scheme in January 2005, and
this was updated in 2010. The Veterinary Hospital standard has been
incorporated into this scheme as the highest level.
Click here to download a copy
of the Standard. Please note that although all efforts are made to ensure that
this copy is up to date, the definitive version of the Standard at any time is
the one to be found on the RCVS web site.
Hospital inspections
are carried out by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the
governing body of the veterinary profession in the UK.
Inspections are
carried out every four years, but spot checks are also made regularly
The RCVS gives hospitals notice of the inspection and sends a form to be
completed and returned to them. The RCVS then allocates an inspector to carry
out the inspection. The veterinary hospital can request a different inspector,
but the RCVS has usually already taken care to make sure that the inspector is
not involved in a competitor practice.
The Inspector’s report is
submitted to the Practice Standard Scheme Review Group and this group decides
whether a Hospital is approved or not. Practices may be passed as a Veterinary
Hospital subject to certain conditions within set time frames. Depending upon
the requirements the Hospital may be required to certify that the work has been
undertaken (perhaps supporting this with photographic evidence), or a
re-inspection may be required.
On confirmation of Veterinary Hospital
status a certificate is issued by the RCVS, so members of the public should
look out for the RCVS Veterinary Hospital Certificate or plaque which should be
easily found. If not, then ask your vet.
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