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Veterinary nurse scoops writer of the year award
Ciar Pembroke has been named winner of the VNJ Writer of the Year Award.
Ciar Pembroke's article explored the barriers affecting BAME veterinary students.

A veterinary nurse from Hertfordshire has been crowned winner of the 2022 VNJ Writer of the Year Award for her article on barriers affecting BAME veterinary students.

Ciar Pembroke's paper, published in the VNJ earlier this year, was titled Barriers affecting BAME students’ access and attainment in veterinary higher education. The award recognises articles that have driven positive change, encouraged discussions, or improved clinical standards in practice.

An RVN at Davies Veterinary Specialists, Ciar explained that the main aim behind her article was to help acknowledge and understand why the veterinary sector is the least diverse profession in the UK - with veterinary nursing being worse than veterinary medicine. 

In the second part of the study, Ciar explores the barriers and discusses potential solutions under the main themes of exposure, pathways, isolation/marginalisation, the learning environment and teaching styles.

Commenting on Ciar's achievement, Davies hospital director, Ben Orton, said: “We are extremely proud that she is a member of our nursing team here at Davies. Her drive, focus and commitment strongly reflect our hospital ethos, and her article pertinently and comprehensively tackles the very important subject of BAME representation within the veterinary sector.” 

The full article is available to read on the British Veterinary Nursing Association website.

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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...
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.