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First veterinary receptionists’ association launches
"We felt there was a need for a more ‘formalised’ system of training and accreditation."
Professional body offers accreditation and training 

Veterinary receptionists will now be able to join the UK’s first professional body for front-of-house staff in practice.

The British Veterinary Receptionists’ Association (BVRA) was set up by SPVS president Brian Faulkner, and veterinary business consultant, Kay Watson.

Mr Faulkner said: “Modern veterinary practices – which are competing in an increasing competitive, regulated and litigious environment – need veterinary receptionists who have a breadth and depth of skills and knowledge of preventive health care, triaging and prioritising the symptoms, as well as managing increasingly complex payment systems, such as direct online insurance claims and credit plans.

“However, while training exists that covers some aspects of the receptionist’s role, we felt there was a need for a more ‘formalised’ system of training and accreditation to cover the breadth and depth of skills and knowledge needed to flourish in this crucial role in practice.”

BVRA members will be able to study for bronze, silver and gold Accredited Veterinary Receptionist awards.

The association says its ‘teach, task and tell’ approach to the online training allows individual veterinary receptionists to show their understanding of the material, as well as sharing their opinions on how each area is working in their practice and how it could be improved.

Member benefits include:
    •    entitlement to refer to themselves as BVRA members
    •    access to CPD webinars
    •    discounted rates to the BVRA’s CPD events and annual conference
    •    access to the BVRA’s Accredited Veterinary Receptionist award
    •    access to the BVRA discussion forum

Practices can sign up for membership for a cost of £150 per annum, and add as many front-of-house employees as they wish after the first five are included for free.

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.