The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has published a joint response to five working papers released by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in February, as the body continues its Market Investigation into UK veterinary services for household pets. The working papers indicate the CMA’s current assessment of their evidence gathered to date, along with their emerging views of the sector.
BVNA has engaged with the CMA throughout its investigation, highlighting the significant role of veterinary nurses in delivering high quality patient care, and in promoting the relationship between the veterinary team, client and patient (VCPR).
BVNA fully supports the need for a well-functioning market along with improved transparency for consumers, and welcomes the CMA’s efforts to understand the complexity of the veterinary industry, plus acknowledgement of the dedication and commitment shown by individual veterinary professionals.
BVNA is also especially encouraged by the CMA’s observations that the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act does not properly reflect the needs of the veterinary industry of today; in particular, that it leads to ineffective utilisation of veterinary nurses, and there remains a lack of regulation of veterinary businesses.
The joint response has been published alongside the British Veterinary Association (BVA), British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), the Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) and the Veterinary Management Group (VMG). In the response, the veterinary organisations suggest short to medium term solutions, and highlight the need to avoid unintended consequences of any potential measures.
In addition to this response, BVNA President Lyndsay Hughes provided a strong voice for veterinary nurses whilst providing verbal evidence to the CMA at a formal hearing on Friday 14th March, attending alongside BVNA staff team members and representatives from BVA, BSAVA, SPVS and the Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP).
BVNA President Lyndsay Hughes commented: “BVNA is providing a loud and clear voice for the veterinary nursing profession throughout the CMA’s investigation. These working papers show that the CMA is listening; acknowledging the dedicated and skilled care that is provided by veterinary professionals, who are currently limited by out-of-date legislation.
“We fully support the need for greater transparency around fees and business ownership, as well as promoting consumer choice. We’re keen to continue to work with the CMA as it considers potential remedies – to ensure that veterinary professionals have time to adapt to change, and that any recommendations do not lead to unintended consequences or undue pressure on veterinary teams.
“We particularly welcome the CMA’s emerging views that enhancement to the RVN role under reformed legislation could lead to significant benefits to the wider veterinary team, animal welfare and clients; plus, that statutory protection of the ‘veterinary nurse’ title could improve transparency and confidence amongst the public. However, legislative change is a longer-term solution, and the CMA has also acknowledged that veterinary nurses could be utilised more effectively within the current legislation. BVNA will be continuing to promote awareness and confidence surrounding delegation of Schedule 3 tasks to veterinary nurses throughout 2025.
“The CMA is due to publish its proposed remedies in April, and as a main party within the investigation, BVNA will continue to ensure our members’ views and concerns are heard – whilst supporting the work towards a better functioning market and improvements for consumers.”