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Caring For Your Pet
Practice News
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 Practice news and FAQ's

Bookmarking (add to favourites in Internet Explorer) this page is a great way to stay up to date on what's happening here at the Hillside Veterinary Centre. You may also like to read any FAQ's (frequently asked questions) we've prepared too!

IMPORTANT: Animal health and welfare issues, especially those that effect our area may also be found here, when needed.

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Do you have any questions?
We are delighted to answer your questions and help you better understand how we can help to keep your pet healthy. Modern veterinary medicine is every bit as complex as human medicine so don't hesitate to ask.

RCVS Practice Standards Scheme

Hillside is proud to be an approved veterinary nurse training centre and having been given Tier 2 Accreditation (small animal practice) by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) - but what does this mean?

Pets are often treated as members of the family and owners rightly want to be sure they receive excellent medical treatment. But how can you be sure?

The regulatory function of the RCVS has always meant that users of veterinary services could be assured that their veterinary surgeon was properly qualified and fit to practice. Now, for the first time, the RCVS can offer reassurance that those practice premises which it accredits as part of the Practice Standards Scheme also meet stringent standards.

The RCVS Practice Standards Scheme is a voluntary initiative to accredit veterinary practices in the UK. Through setting standards and carrying out regular inspections, the Scheme aims to promote and maintain the highest standards of veterinary care. It offers peace of mind to clients of accredited practices and more informed choice to the animal-owning public.

To become accredited, practices volunteer for rigorous inspection every four years and will have met a range of minimum standards including hygiene, 24-hour emergency cover, staff training, certain types of equipment and cost estimation procedures. They may also be subject to spot-checks between inspections.

For peace of mind, people should look for the RCVS accredited practice logo, which indicates that the practice has passed an independent inspection. This means high standards of care for pets and peace of mind for pet owners.

In summary, the scheme ensures:

  • Demonstrates compliance with current legislation

  • Secures safe working environment

  • Acknowledges a duty of care

  • Provides an association with increasingly recognised standards

  • Helps clients to understand the practice

  • Contributes to client confidence

  • Sets a framework for regular reviews of practice policy

  • Builds a team approach

  • Provides motivation for CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

  • Promotes pride in the practice

  • Boosts staff morale and job satisfaction

  • Attracts high quality employees

  • Includes Practice Standards Certificate (displayed at reception)

  • The practice is prominently placed within the RCVS Directory of Veterinary Practices and Find a Vet


If you would like more information regarding the RCVS Practice Standards you can visit their website at www.rcvs.org.uk.