MP supports Kilbarchan Vets call for legislative change

Kilbarchan Veterinary Practice, based in Johnstone, recently welcomed a visit from Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP Johanna Baxter, alongside councillors Chris Gilmour and Gillian Graham, for a behind-the-scenes look at daily operations and the evolving challenges facing the industry.

Johanna was given a tour of the clinic’s consultation rooms and state-of-the-art X-Ray and dental imaging facilities.

During the visit, the team highlighted the growing need to update the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, which pre-dates major advances in veterinary medicine and the broader role of today’s veterinary professionals.

The practice also pointed out that, under current legislation, only individual vets are regulated, while veterinary businesses are not, and there is no legal protection for the title of veterinary nurse.

Johanna said: "As a long-time cat lover with two rescue moggies of my own, I’m no stranger to vet visits, but it was eye-opening for me to go behind the consult room to see the level of skill, care and commitment towards Renfrewshire’s pets and their owners from the team at Kilbarchan.

"It is shocking that while individual vets are regulated, vet practices aren’t and that anyone can call themselves a veterinary nurse.

"That’s why I’m backing vets’ calls to reform existing legislation so we can improve transparency, strengthen trust and give pet owners across Renfrewshire confidence in the care their pets receive."

Johanna Baxter MP with Natalie Niven, Clinical Director, Kilbarchan Vets and Bramble the dog (Image: Kilbarchan Vets)

The tour was also joined by Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux, senior vice president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), which represents more than 19,000 vets across the UK and has long advocated for reform of the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act.

Dr Mullineaux said: "Vet teams play such a key role in safeguarding animal health and welfare whilst also supporting the people and communities who care for them.

"Johanna’s visit was an excellent opportunity to shine a light on the dedication of vets, learn about the care her pets have received from the local vet team over the years, and discuss the issues affecting our profession.

"Her support for reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 will be vital in getting new legislation through Parliament next year."

Established in 1987 and operating from Steeple Street since 1991, Kilbarchan Veterinary Practice is RCVS-accredited and currently employs a 14-strong team of veterinary surgeons, nurses, and support staff.

Part of Inspiring Vet Care since 2015, the practice is also involved in training future veterinary professionals.

The practice team thanked Johanna for supporting reform to better protect animal welfare, as laid out in the Government’s recent White Paper, Our Vision for a thriving veterinary profession, released in July, which sets out proposals to improve transparency, strengthen trust and better protect animal welfare.

Johanna Baxter MP, Natalie Niven, Clinical Director, Bramble the dog and members of the clinical team at Kilbarchan (Karen Clark, Practice Manager , Lindsay Yates, vet, Beth Sweeny, vet, Karin Elliott Royal Veterinary Nurse) (Image: Kilbarchan Vets)

Natalie Niven, clinical director at Kilbarchan Veterinary Practice, said: "We were delighted to welcome Johanna to Kilbarchan Veterinary Practice and show her the work that goes on behind the scenes in a busy local vet practice.

"For almost 40 years, we have been part of the fabric of the local community, and every member of our team is passionate about providing exceptional care for pets and supporting the people who love them.

"People don’t always see just how skilled and complex veterinary work is, or the value vets and veterinary nurses bring not only to animal health and welfare, but also to public health, food safety and tackling disease risks.

"Today was also an important opportunity to highlight why the Veterinary Surgeons Act needs to be updated, so animal welfare, clients and veterinary teams are better supported for the future."