24-hour emergency cover in remote areas

The provision of 24-hour emergency cover was back on the agenda recently after being cited as a possible constraint to the provision of veterinary service in remote areas, particularly islands off the UK mainland.

The issues were considered by the Advisory Committee, which reported to Council that there was no need to change the existing advice on 24-hour emergency cover, which was last revised and approved by Council in March 2005.

The Committee also indicated that:

• The RCVS advice on the provision of 24-hour emergency cover recognises that: "…in isolated communities there may be a need for a pragmatic approach to the provision of 24-hour emergency cover provided that clients and the nearest veterinary practice are fully informed of the arrangements".
• The RCVS continues to consider requests for advice on the provision of 24-hour emergency cover to remote areas (usually from individual members of the profession) in the light of all the individual circumstances.
• The 24-hour emergency cover working party that proposed the advice approved in March 2005 should be reformed (in full or in part) to consider future developments.
• The impact and development of the European Working Time Directive on the provision of 24-hour emergency cover should also be considered.

Council endorsed the Advisory Committee's report.