Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Veterinary nurses honoured for extraordinary work
(left to right) Winners Leanne McLeod, Emma Addy and Helen Gourley, president of the BVNA Kirstie Shield, regional co-ordinator Diane Young.
Winners of the BVNA NI Veterinary Nursing Awards announced

Four veterinary nurses have been recognised for outstanding contributions to clients and their animals in this year's BVNA NI Veterinary Nursing Awards.

Now in its seventh year, the awards were created to help widen the recognition for the work of veterinary nurses.

This year's NI veterinary nurse of the year is Helen Gourley, who is described as "exceptionally dedicated" and "an absolute asset" to her practice, Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic.

One client who nominated her said: "Over the past year, both my dogs have been receiving treatment for serious conditions and Helen has been a great support to me.

"She takes time to explain matters in layman’s terms which has helped me immensely at times when I have been tremendously worried about my dogs."

BVNA NI's regional co-ordinator Paula Quinn said Helen is the "embodiment of what the veterinary nursing profession is all about" and "a shining example" to the public.

When it came to choosing this year's charity veterinary nurse of the year, one nominee stood out for judges. Emma Addy was nominated for her efforts helping stray and feral animals. Judges said her nomination was "very moving".

One example of Emma's work is the heartbreaking case of two healthy cats who risked being put to sleep. After talking to the owner, who was in difficult circumstances, Emma realised the client did not want her beloved pets to be put to sleep but simply could not afford to care for them anymore.

Emma got in touch with Cats Protection and arranged a placement for the cats, giving them a second chance at life and saving the owner from the guilt of having them put to sleep.

Another example is the four-month-old Akita that Emma found abandoned in a hedge, inches from death. She spent hours on the phone to the local council and Northern Ireland Akita Rescue before managing to secure a new home for the puppy.

After going through major surgery, the puppy - now called Oreo - made a full recovery and Emma found him a new loving family.

Leanne McLeod was awarded NI student veterinary nurse of the year. She "eats, sleeps and breathes animals," according to her colleagues.

In her spare time, Leanne volunteers at her local animal sanctuary and helps the practice rehome unwanted dogs. She also gave up her free time recently to hand rear two stray springer spaniel puppies, spending weeks caring for them before finding them a new home.

Colleagues of this year's animal nursing assistant, Ciara Wilson, say she has a gift for "building great relationships with clients and animals and loves chatting to clients like old friends."

Commenting on the winners on behalf of the sponsors, Susie Hill from Hill's Pet Nutrition said: "Once again, I’ve been humbled by the efforts of veterinary nurses who care so passionately for their patients and animals across the community."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.