RpaVet statement on coronavirus

 

There will be no practice inspections until further notice. This should have little impact at present as presumably other practice inspections will be similarly affected (eg RCVS & HSE inspections). In the light of what is happening in the country it seems unlikely that RPA inspection activity is crucial at the present time. I remain working from home (eg see local rules revisions statement).

 

I am available via phone (0118 9841159; 07801 257883) or email (petercockett@rpavet.co.uk) to answer any queries.

RpaVet CPD

 

There are currently 5 dates booked in May & June. It is uncertain at this time whether these may need to be rescheduled. Please feel free to continue to book – if the date changes all delegates will have the opportunity to swap to the new date or any other venue. If the alternatives are not suitable then a full refund will be made. Up to date information will be posted on this website and additionally all delegates will be contacted directly if there are any changes. As usual, course notes will be emailed prior to the event.

 

Note that HSE/RCVS require the RPS to have recent training. The ideal is to have one RPS for each site. It is not acceptable for a single person to be RPS at at large number of sites (possibly more than 2). The RPS can be an MRCVS or RVN. Often an RVN is more suitable as may travel around less sites than the vet.

 

At the risk of self-promotion, I have had multiple face-to-face meetings with HSE and am perhaps uniquely placed to advise on pertinent ramifications of IRR17 and specifically, HSE inspections. HSE are now (again) targeting veterinary practices. HSE were also actively involved in scrutinizing the 2019 edition of the BVA Guidance Notes (edited by myself).

RPA re-inspections and revision of local rules

 

HSE have informed me in person that their view is that there is no defined timetable for an RPA re-inspection if the RPA has physically inspected the site and there are no significant changes. Such changes would include eg X-ray relocation in the practice, addition of dental X-ray or replacement generator.  However, for all inspections prior to January 1st 2018 the local rules will reference IRR99 and will now be non-compliant due to the introduction of IRR17.

I am able to reissue up to date, compliant local rules for any site I have inspected prior to 2018 without physically visiting the practice so long as there have been no significant changes, as discussed. I would invite any such site with IRR99 rules (issued by RpaVet) to contact me so that the revisions can be arranged. I would need confirmation of who is the RPS. Please also check your previous report and advise if any recommendations/alterations have been carried

out. There is a fee for revising the documentation but this is considerable less than that for a physical re-inspection. Quote is available on request.

Dental X-ray

 

Although not specifically news, this section allows me to let practices know the format for RPA involvement with the addition of dental X-ray. Basic information is already available (see downloads) – dental radiography guidance & fail-safe light documents apply. Except in very rare circumstances, it is not possible to visit a site just to advise on dental X-ray location. Advice is based on floor plan and photos. Where authorization by the installer is required, this is done by email once the layout has been scrutinized (remotely). An RPA inspection is then usually due after installation.