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Symposium looks to the future of veterinary nursing
VN symposium logo
Delegates attended an array of presentations, including a talk on evidence-based medicine and a lecture on how digital imaging has evolved.
Delegates gather for Central Qualifications event

Over 40 centre heads, clinical coaches and organisations joined Central Qualifications (CQ) for its annual symposium. Hosted at the awarding organisation's headquarters in Suffolk, guests at the two-day event also included OSCE examiners and lecturers.

Following a warm welcome by CQ director Jacqui Garrett, chair of governors Martin Barrow introduced CQ’s new Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. The new and improved DipVN follows extended consultation across the profession and marks the first significant change of the VN qualification for eight years.

Commenting on the new diploma, CQ's quality assurance manager Denise Burke said: “Veterinary Nursing is rapidly evolving and our new qualification is designed to meet the needs of employers and underpins the future of veterinary nursing.”

During the symposium, delegates attended an array of presentations, including a talk on evidence-based medicine, a lecture on how digital imaging has evolved and an update on the Central Skills Log.

RCVS director of veterinary nursing Julie Dugmore also brought delegates up to speed with VN Futures - a companion project to Vet Futures, which aims to draw up a blueprint for the veterinary nursing profession.

Day two of the VN symposium was led by BVNA president Sam Morgan - one of CQ’s lead examiners - and focussed on CQ’s OSCE process and procedures. Four DipVN students joined the delegates and participated in a mock exam so that new examiners could gain experience of being in an exam situation.

Commenting on the symposium, Jacqui Garrett said: “We arrange the VN symposium every year for the benefit of all those involved in veterinary nurse education. The feedback we've had this year has been excellent.”

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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.