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Vet nurse gets her adapted car
Jan with her car
Jan Collins who lost both her legs following life saving-surgery has finally recieved her specially adapted car.

Jan Collins lost both her legs to necrotizing fasciitis

A veterinary nurse who lost both her legs following life saving-surgery has finally received her specially adapted car, with the help of the fundraising efforts of colleagues at St Johns Veterinary Practice in Berkhamstead.

Practice vet Beverley Irving said: "Last week Jan purchased an estate car after she had, hopefully, her final surgery to remove the filter from her vena cava.

"She's had her assessment for driving and the car is being converted on Tuesday to hand controls."

Earlier this year, Jan Collins had to have both of her legs amputated after contracting a life-threatening infection following an operation.  The veterinary nurse developed necrotizing fasciitis - more commonly known as the 'flesh eating disease' which can often become a fatal condition resulting in multi-organ failure.

The government's scheme to help disabled people become mobile again with hand controlled adapted cars is only available up until the age of 65. Sadly, Jan celebrated her 66th birthday just before the initial operation so was not eligible for any government help.

Veterinary nursing had been Jan's life and it was a big incentive to get better again. So, to help Jan get back to doing what she loved most, her colleagues launched an online fundraising campaign and set about raffling dog food and other items within the practice.

 "With all of the generous donations we've managed to raise just under £7000 towards the 8500 needed for the car and £800 for the hand conversion," said Beverley.  

"I still feel that we should have had some help from the government. Jan has worked and paid taxes all her life, is a widow, and despite all she's struggling with at the moment is already back at work doing as much as she can."

The practice is still working to try to raise the final amount so that Jan doesn't have to put anything towards the car herself. To make a donation please visit https://pledgie.com/campaigns/29396
.

Image (C) Jan Collins/Beverley Irving

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."