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Blue Cross ‘Vet Nurse of the Year’ winner announced
Danielle receiving her award from Richard Casey and 2017 winner Fiona Leathers.
Award presented to RVNs that go the extra mile to improve pet welfare

Danielle Pountain of Pool House Veterinary Hospital, Lichfield, has won the Blue Cross ‘Vet Nurse of the Year’ award for going ‘above and beyond’ to help animals in need.

Danielle was presented with her award by Richard Casey, clinical development manager at Blue Cross, at the BVNA Congress in Telford, Shropshire. Her nominators praised her for her enthusiasm, extensive knowledge and experience, making her a role model for hard work and self-motivation.  

Commenting on her award, Danielle, a deputy head nurse, said: “I was overwhelmed to receive the call that I had been selected as the Blue Cross Vet Nurse of the Year. It felt like an unbelievable honour to have been considered worthy for an award for doing a job I love to do and I felt like being recognised for my achievements and contribution to veterinary nurses, validated all of my hard work, enthusiasm and dedication. I am grateful to everyone for giving me such a great title and award.”

Mr Casey said: “Danielle is a dedicated and passionate vet nurse who goes above and beyond to help pets in need. She is very highly qualified and is always seeking out the latest research evidence to support the animals in her care, as well as training the RVN’s of the future. Congratulations to Danielle who has truly earned this year’s award.”

The Blue Cross Vet Nurse of the Year award pays recognition to the country’s veterinary nurses and the support they give veterinary teams, pet owners and their animals. It is presented to a veterinary nurse who not only cares for sick and injured pets but goes the extra mile to encourage responsible pet ownership and improve pet welfare in the community.

Danielle was one of more than a hundred veterinary nurses nominated for this year’s award.

 

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.