Panorama - date announced

The long-awaited Panorama programme on the veterinary profession will air on Thursday 22 July at 9pm on BBC One.

We have not seen the programme, but understand it is set to cover a range of issues, including the role of unqualified nursing staff in the practice, support for new graduates, over-charging in relation to insurance and regulation of corporate practices.

Senior Vice-President Professor Sandy Trees (at the time, President) was interviewed by Jeremy Vine at Belgravia House on 13 November 2009 to contribute to the programme.

We expect there might be increased public interest in the regulation of the profession following the programme and would suggest that anyone with concerns over the programme’s contents should either speak to their own veterinary surgeon, or contact us directly (details below).

We will post a statement on RCVSonline shortly after the programme has aired which should help answer some of these concerns.

In addition, a set of briefing papers on commonly-asked questions from members of the public can be found on our ePolitix microsite – ePolitix is the leading resource for MPs and their researchers.

We currently receive around 700 complaints a year – about one every 15 years of a member’s practising life. It’s a record to be proud of. However, if the programme raises areas of genuine concern, we will do all we can to act on them and we have already made it clear to the BBC that we would expect their support in this.

Following the programme, we will work with the British Veterinary Association and other organisations to ensure that the robust nature of the regulatory system is communicated to the public, from undergraduate degrees through the Professional Development Phase and the Guide to Professional Conduct, to mandatory continuing professional development and the voluntary Practice Standards Scheme and Register for Veterinary Nurses.

If, following the broadcast, you have questions, do not hesitate to contact us, either on our Advice line within the Professional Conduct Department (020 7202 0789) or the Communications Department (020 7202 0725).