The Veterinary Medicines Directorate recently welcomed over 30 delegates to its first Veterinary Dispensary Manager training day.

This one-day event was delivered by VMD’s inspectors using a blend of lectures, discussion, and practical activities.

Attended by veterinary dispensary managers, veterinary nurses, veterinary pharmacists, SQPs, practice managers, wholesalers and industry and charity sector representatives, the VMD said the day provided plenty of networking opportunities for delegates to share experience and best practice.

The topics that were covered throughout the day included the following and much more:

• effective management of the veterinary dispensary;
• sourcing veterinary medicines;
• correct storage & labelling;
• prescribing;
• supplying and dispensing;
• reducing dispensing errors; and
• how to store and record controlled medicines appropriately.

Upon completion of the training, delegates were able to confidently identify authorised veterinary medicines, store them appropriately and dispense with greater assurance.

Interactive demonstrations provided delegates with practical experience of identifying and resolving dispensing errors and proposed corrective and preventive actions that can be applied to everyday practice.

Lee Grist, head of the VMD distribution and supply chain section, said: “It is vitally important that we all ensure veterinary medicines are used and stored appropriately. Doing so helps to maintain animal welfare and protect human health and everyone involved in the supply chain has a role to play. Courses such as this will help all of us achieve these aims.

“It gives people the tools and knowledge to reduce the risk of a problem ever occurring, but also know how to tackle it if one does occur.”

Alison Pyatt, head of the VMD training centre team, added: “The VMD is committed to delivering quality training that best supports industry and those in the veterinary profession to perform their roles safely and ethically while meeting their legal obligations.

“Training events such as the Dispensary Manager course provide a unique opportunity for our stakeholders to interact with our inspectors, discuss concerns, and receive the support and guidance desired.”

Accredited by Vetpol and Vetskill for 5 hours of CPD, the course received positive feedback from all attendees on the practical and useful information and great content. One example of the feedback received was:

Practical solutions to real life problems that the inspectors saw in practice. Seeing pictures of good, bad and ugly was really helpful and will stay in my mind!

The VMD’s Training Team are planning a series of training courses, if you are interested in attending a future event, or for training enquiries such as suggesting courses that you would like to see us offer, please email [email protected].