Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Practice Manager of the Year is announced
Practice Manager of the Year Sharon Lane-Kieltyka and VPMA president Helen Sanderson

VPMA member wins prestigious award

A member of the Veterinary Practice Management Association has been awarded the prestigious title of Practice Manager of the Year at the recent Petplan Awards held in Birmingham.

Sharon Lane-Kieltyka from Shepton Veterinary Group, Somerset, received a year’s free membership to the association, with funded CPD and regional support, access to the active e-group and forums and other member benefits, as well as her all important trophy.

Keen to acknowledge the team effort that went into her achievement, Sharon said: “This award is not just recognition for what I have done but what the practice team as a whole has achieved over the last couple of years. I feel very proud to work for Shepton Vets and am extremely grateful for the support I get from staff and directors alike. Hopefully in the future there will be more awards to come for other members of the practice!”

Past President Pauline Graham, who was part of the judging panel, presented Sharon with her accolade. Pauline commented, “Sharon is a very deserving winner – and it’s so lovely that she’s been rewarded for her hard work behind the scenes in running her practice. VPMA is very much about supporting and learning from one another, and the association looks forward to hearing more from Sharon on best management practice.”

 

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.