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Vet professionals encouraged to become Mental Health First Aiders
There is a course for all in the veterinary profession, and one for those in Northern Ireland.
The courses advise how to support friends and colleagues.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is inviting more veterinary professionals to become Mental Health First Aiders as part of its Mind Matters Initiative (MMI).

MMI will be providing two different courses, which will both be presented online in October.

The first course, which is delivered and certified by Mental Health First Aid England, is open for all within the veterinary profession. There is also another course specifically for those living or working in Northern Ireland, which is being delivered by the Northern Irish charity Aware.

MMI aims to introduce new courses specifically for those in Scotland or Wales in early 2025.

The courses are designed to provide attendees with the skills they need to recognise signs of poor mental health, improve mental health literacy and advise how to give first-level support.

Those who complete the course will be certified Mental Health First Aiders. They will receive a digital three-year Mental Health First Aider Certificate, a digital reference manual and access to the Mental Health First Aider Support app for three years.

Both of these courses run for two full days, across Tuesday, 8 October and Tuesday, 15 October. They are open to all in the veterinary profession, including veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, students, receptionists and practice managers.

Rapinder Newton, MMI lead, said: “The course is ideal for individuals looking to gain the knowledge and skills to spot signs of people experiencing poor mental health, to be confident in starting a conversation with someone who might be struggling, and to learn how to signpost to appropriate support.

“As our network of veterinary Mental Health First Aiders continues to grow, we are proud to see the impact that is being had – the more veterinary professionals we can support to become Mental Health First Aiders, the more people will be able to easily access support as and when they need it most.”

Both courses are partially subsidised by MMI, and cost £95 per person for the two days. Those interested can register on the MMI events page, or the Eventbrite pages for the open course and the Northern Ireland course, before 10 September or when the courses become full.

Image © Shutterstock

 

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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.