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VN receives award for awareness-raising work
Stuart Reid and Dot Creighton
Dot receiving her award from the outgoing president of the RCVS, Stuart Reid.

Golden Jubilee award presented to Dot Creighton

Dot Creighton has been presented with this year's VN Golden Jubilee Award, in recognition of her exceptional contribution to raising awareness of the veterinary nursing profession.

During her year as president of the British Veterinary Nursing Association, Dot created the concept of VN Awareness Day, which has since become VN Awareness Month.

Every May, thousands of veterinary nurses take part in the event to help raise awareness among the general public of what the profession does and how vital nurses are to clinical practice and animal welfare.

Dot has been a nurse for more than 20 years, working with a variety of species - including kangaroos, lion cubs and giraffes. She is also a former member of the VN Council. Dot currently works at Millennium Veterinary Practice in Essex, where she has been since 2003.

The VN Golden Jubilee Award was launched in 2011 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the RCVS's first veterinary nursing training course. It recognises people who have made outstanding contributions to the profession.

Dot was revealed as the 2015 winner in May and presented with her award on RCVS Day (10 July).

Chair of the VN Council Kathy Kissick commented in May: "Dot is an inspiration to many, many nurses and always commits 100 per cent to the welfare of the animals in her care and to her clients. I congratulate her on achieving this award."

Image courtesy of the RCVS

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
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RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.