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Details of BVA Live nursing stream announced
One of the sessions announced is 'Recognising signs of pain in cats' with RVN Alex Taylor.
The programme of courses will focus on ‘Empowerment’.

The BVA has released details of the planned programme for the BVNA Nursing Theatre at this year’s BVA Live.

BVNA president Charlotte Pace has chosen ‘Empowerment’ as the presidential theme for 2023 and this will be reflected in the sessions, which will focus on empowering delegates and building their confidence.

Both clinical and non-clinical CPD will be provided in the full programme for veterinary nurses at all stages of their career.

‘Veterinary nurses in leadership’ with RVN Kathryn Latimer-Jones is one of the sessions announced. The session will aim to help delegates reach their potential as leaders and learn how to apply leadership when advocating for a patient.

Another of the sessions which has been announced is ‘Recognising signs of pain in cats’ with RVN Alex Taylor, senior vice-president of BVNA. Delegates will be taught how to improve pain management by recognising key behavioural indicators of pain in feline patients and using appropriate pain assessment systems.

Details have also been released about RVN Jack Pye’s session on ‘Ultrasound for veterinary nurses’. The session will aim to clarify the legislation on using ultrasound to allow delegates to feel more confident about using it.

Announcing the programme, Ms Pace said: “This year’s BVNA Nursing Theatre programme has been designed to empower our veterinary nurses, helping them to widen their specialist knowledge and in turn boost confidence in their existing skills. There will also be opportunities to explore new areas of professional practice and support effective team leadership. We hope delegates will leave the BVNA Nursing Theatre feeling inspired, supercharged and motivated to take new ideas and conversations back to their workplace.”

Malcolm Morley, BVA president, added: “Veterinary nurses are a vital part of team vet and so we are extremely pleased to see the BVNA Nursing stream return to BVA Live this year. These specialist sessions promise to be inspirational, insightful and educational and we look forward to hearing the discussions which are sure to follow.”

This year’s BVA Live will be held at the Birmingham NEC from 11-12 May 2023.

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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.