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BVNA launches Have a Heart Week initiative
"I am very proud to be part of the Vetlife and BVNA communities, so this collaboration is very dear to my heart" - Charlotte Pace RVN, BVNA president.

Upcoming week will see focus on VN mental health.

The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has announced that it will be hosting 'Have a Heart Week' – a campaign to bring attention to the charity Vetlife, which supports veterinary mental health.

Running from Monday 13 February to Friday 17 February 2023, the campaign will raise funds for Vetlife, and will provide resources and events for veterinary nurses to get involved in the conversation surrounding mental health and wellness in the veterinary sphere.

BVNA president Charlotte Pace RVN discussed the collaboration: “Selecting Vetlife as the chosen charity for my presidential year is a privilege because they provide an exceptional service for the veterinary profession. 

“This is also perfect timing, because in the last couple of months, the changes to the Vetlife Articles mean that registered veterinary nurses can become full Vetlife members, stand for nomination as Trustees, and apply for financial support.”

Throughout Have a Heart Week, the BVNA will be sharing blogs, experiences and resources on mental wellbeing within the veterinary nursing community, and will be hosting the following events:

 •  Monday 13th  February 7.30pm  – Supporting colleagues, and practising self-compassion: Two core ideas for vet nurses managing wellbeing. Webinar with Rosie Allister, Vetlife Helpline Manager
 •  Tuesday 14th  February 7.30pm  – Valentine’s Night Quiz, with prizes kindly sponsored by Heart Vets
 •  Wednesday 15th  February  – Combatting loneliness in leadership positions. A pre-recorded discussion panel with Lyndsay Hughes RVN, Alex Taylor RVN and Jo Oakden RVN.
 •  Thursday 16th  February 7.30pm  – More than counting sheep: what veterinary nurses need to know about wellbeing, night work, and sleep. Webinar with Rosie Allister, Vetlife Helpline Manager.

All events and resources will be free, but the BVNA is encouraging members to make a small contribution to Vetlife via BVNA's JustGiving page.

Charlotte continued: “I am very proud to be part of the Vetlife and BVNA communities, so this collaboration is very dear to my heart. 

“I have no doubt that the partnership between the BVNA and Vetlife will benefit the veterinary nursing profession and help improve the wellbeing of nurses for many years to come.”

Further information on the campaign, including registration for the webinars, can be accessed on the BVNA website

 

Image (C) BVNA

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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.