250244 - Contract for The Services of a Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS)

The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences’ Biological Services Core Technology Unit (BSU), at Queen’s University Belfast (Queen’s) wish to procure the services of a Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS) for the BSU. Scientific Procedure Establishments, breeding and supplying establishments1 are required to name a veterinary surgeon(s), nominated by the Establishment Licence Holder, in their Licence Schedule, who accepts responsibility under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) and its subsequent amendments to provide advice on the health, welfare and treatment of animals within these establishments.

The NVS will fulfil the duties of the NVS in accordance with ASPA, and its subsequent amendments. ASPA is a UK-wide Act and is administered by the Home Office in Great Britain and the Department of Health (DOH) in Northern Ireland.

The NVS’s role is to advise on the Health and Welfare of the animals in the Establishment, the performance of techniques, and to diagnose and treat diseases. They are responsible for directing the use of controlled and prescription-only medicines in the animals and should be familiar with the project licences in use at Queen’s. The NVS must also be involved in the drafting of new project licence applications or amendments, and the discussions of Animal Welfare and Use Committees, such as the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB).