PRESCRIPTIONS UPDATE
On 1st September 2023 our regulatory body, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) introduced new guidance on prescribing prescription-only medicines. There was a grace period until 1st January 2024 for some classes of medication including parasiticides (flea, tick and worming treatments). The new guidance requires that a clinical assessment, which usually entails a physical examination of your pet, be performed every time antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals and parasiticides are prescribed.
The guidance is an important step towards ensuring responsible antimicrobial use and reduces the veterinary impact on the wider issues of global antibiotic resistance and decline in insect populations.
Your pet will need to have seen a Veterinary Surgeon for an in-person consultation to make an appropriate parasiticide treatment plan personalised to their lifestyle and risk. We will aim to do this at regular, routine vaccination and health check appointments to reduce the need for additional appointments. However, a separate 'parasiticide check up' consultation may be required.
We will enter a prescription 'authorisation' of our recommendations onto your pet's clinical notes, which can then be used to issue medication for the following 12-months. Once this authorisation is in place you can order parasiticide treatment as you previously have done so.
A 'parasiticide check up' consultation is free for members of our Pet Health for Life (PH4L) plan.
For long term prescription medication which is not an antimicrobial/antiparasitic, our usual policy of requiring a regular examination usually every 3-6 months continues to apply. The medication review consultations will be charged at our usual fees.
You can read the full guidance from the RCVS on their website.
UPDATE ABOUT LYDD BRANCH FROM 1 JANUARY 2024
Due to operating with fewer staff than usual and after careful consideration, Cinque Ports Lydd will temporarily close on January 1, 2024 for the foreseeable future. This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the impact it may have on you and your beloved pets.
This decision has been made to consolidate our services and improve the overall quality of veterinary care we provide to our clients and their pets. Rest assured, our other branches in nearby areas will continue to operate, and our dedicated staff will be more than happy to assist you at those locations.
For any ongoing treatments, appointments, or to collect prescriptions, we kindly ask you to contact any of our other branches below by calling:
- Rye 01797 222265 (10 miles away)
- Kingsnorth 01233 640022 (15 miles away)
- Tenterden 01580 763309 (15 miles away)
- Wye Cinque Ports Cat Clinic 01233 813003 (20 miles away)
- Hawkhurst 01580 752187 (26 miles away)
Alternatively, book an appointment online
Our teams are fully equipped to provide the same care and attention your pets have received at our Lydd branch.
We understand that this news may raise concerns, and we are here to support you during this transition period. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We are immensely grateful for the trust and loyalty you have shown us over the years. We thank you for allowing us to be a part of your pets' lives and look forward to continuing this relationship at our other branches.
Once again, we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this closure may cause and appreciate your understanding and support during this change.
Visit our FAQ page here.
Cinque Ports Lydd
