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Bustling congress winds down
BVNA's 40th annual event draws to a close

An event which has been both inspirational and educational, this year's BVNA Congress - now in its 40th year - has championed the role of the veterinary nurse, as well as providing top quality CPD.

Delegates at this year's bustling event have enjoyed a fantastic and varied scientific programme, covering everything from management to research and critical care.

On top of this, the congress has provided the opportunity to catch up with the latest veterinary products on the market, and network with other veterinary nurses and members of the profession in a relaxed but vibrant setting.

A keynote speech by James Yeates, the chief veterinary officer at the RSPCA, underlined the role that nurses have to play in the development of the veterinary profession as a whole.

In particular, he championed the empathy and communication that veterinary nurses can build with clients, making them a valuable asset when it comes to euthanasia discussions and cases of domestic abuse, for example.

Furthermore, this year's congress saw a number of veterinary nurses honoured for their extraordinary contribution to the profession and excellent client care, with Sarah Reed crowned this year's Veterinary Nurse of the Year.

Lectures throughout the three-day event have covered key topical issues, including recognising and dealing with pet obesity, emerging equine diseases, mental health and addictions in the veterinary profession and a talk on the future of the Practice Standards Scheme, given by RCVS vice-president Jacqui Molyneux.

Yet another hugely successful congress was concluded today with the BVNA's annual general meeting (AGM), which saw junior vice-president Kirstie Shield welcomed as incoming president.

Delegates are now starting to filter off to the final lectures of the day and exhibitors will soon begin the process of packing up and heading home. Having gained truly high quality CPD hours over the past three days, it is safe to say that this year's event will remain in the minds of delegates for many months to come.

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."