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Veterinary workforce urged to ‘pull together’ ahead of Brexit
Simon Doherty at the dinner with David Rutley and Christine Middlemiss, the Chief Veterinary Officer.

BVA president Simon Doherty addresses guests at annual dinner

BVA president Simon Doherty has highlighted the varied and diverse work of the veterinary profession and called for the workforce to ‘pull together’ to cope with the unpredictable and difficult months ahead.

His call comes amid increasing concerns about shortfalls in workforce capacity after Brexit and a increase in demand for certain veterinary services. Speaking at BVA’ s annual dinner in Westminster last night (5 February), Mr Doherty said:

“The veterinary profession may be relatively small, but it is also hugely diverse and influential. Vets have high levels of public trust in our insights and expertise, and strong connections with our colleagues, clients and the communities we serve.

“In these uncertain times, it’s more crucial than ever that the veterinary community pulls together to navigate the difficult landscape ahead and continue to provide the best possible standards of care.”

More than 80 people attended BVA’s London dinner, including Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Food and Animal Welfare, David Rutley, England’s chief veterinary officer, Christine Middlemiss. Colleagues from across the veterinary profession and key representatives from animal health and welfare organisations were also in attendance.

During his speech, Mr Doherty paid tribute to the high number of EU vets working across the UK and pressed for urgent action to protect against veterinary shortfalls.

“We’re very fortunate to have many fantastic EU colleagues working in England and throughout the UK, and it’s incumbent on us all to make sure that veterinary capacity is maintained whatever the next few months hold,” he said.  “Be in no doubt, we are at crisis point now and need to avoid a cliff edge.

“If you take one thing away with you today, please support and share our calls for vets to be reinstated on the Shortage Occupation List.  This would give a critical vote of confidence in the veterinary workforce and the multiple benefits it realises, and help to safeguard against a post-Brexit crisis in capacity.”

Mr Doherty also praised vets, stakeholders and the wider public for helping to amplify its campaigning activity across key animal welfare issues. Describing the recent drive for animal sentience to be embedded in UK law, Mr Doherty urged the Government to act fast to bring the principle into legislation:

“Parliamentary time may be tighter than ever before, but here was an opportunity to make the UK’s status as a global leader on animal welfare resoundingly clear. We are in talks with Defra to find a solution, and as the clock ticks down we will continue to keep momentum up and engage our members and stakeholders in this vital campaign.”

Image (C) BVA.

 

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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.