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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 28th October 2016
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

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.”

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

Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.