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Vet nurse gets her adapted car
Jan with her car
Jan Collins who lost both her legs following life saving-surgery has finally recieved her specially adapted car.

Jan Collins lost both her legs to necrotizing fasciitis

A veterinary nurse who lost both her legs following life saving-surgery has finally received her specially adapted car, with the help of the fundraising efforts of colleagues at St Johns Veterinary Practice in Berkhamstead.

Practice vet Beverley Irving said: "Last week Jan purchased an estate car after she had, hopefully, her final surgery to remove the filter from her vena cava.

"She's had her assessment for driving and the car is being converted on Tuesday to hand controls."

Earlier this year, Jan Collins had to have both of her legs amputated after contracting a life-threatening infection following an operation.  The veterinary nurse developed necrotizing fasciitis - more commonly known as the 'flesh eating disease' which can often become a fatal condition resulting in multi-organ failure.

The government's scheme to help disabled people become mobile again with hand controlled adapted cars is only available up until the age of 65. Sadly, Jan celebrated her 66th birthday just before the initial operation so was not eligible for any government help.

Veterinary nursing had been Jan's life and it was a big incentive to get better again. So, to help Jan get back to doing what she loved most, her colleagues launched an online fundraising campaign and set about raffling dog food and other items within the practice.

 "With all of the generous donations we've managed to raise just under £7000 towards the 8500 needed for the car and £800 for the hand conversion," said Beverley.  

"I still feel that we should have had some help from the government. Jan has worked and paid taxes all her life, is a widow, and despite all she's struggling with at the moment is already back at work doing as much as she can."

The practice is still working to try to raise the final amount so that Jan doesn't have to put anything towards the car herself. To make a donation please visit https://pledgie.com/campaigns/29396 .

Image (C) Jan Collins/Beverley Irving

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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...
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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.