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RCVS extends VetGDP training deadline
A key feature of the VetGDP is the requirement of a trained VetGDP advisor.
Practices now have until December 2021 to complete the online training. 

The RCVS has extended the deadline to its Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP) by six months, to December 2021, to give practices more time to complete the required online training.

The original deadline was June 2021, after which practices looking to employ this year's cohort of graduates should have obtained VetGDP status. But the RCVS said it recognised the 'ongoing pandemic restrictions' and the 'significant additional pressures on practice teams'.

“While we know that some people will be able to complete the online training required to become a VetGDP Adviser quite quickly if circumstances allow, we also know that some people have additional commitments that mean training may take longer to complete,” commented Dr Linda Prescott-Clements, RCVS Director of Education.

“Therefore, instead of VetGDP Advisers needing to have fully completed the online training before the new graduate joins the workplace, we now require that the training has been started and is being actively engaged with, and will be completed as soon as circumstances allow."

She added: “For 2021, we, therefore, expect that VetGDP Advisers will have completed their training by the end of December 2021. We also expect that graduates will be supported during their first months in practice, while vets are completing the online training.”

A key feature of the VetGDP is the requirement of a trained VetGDP Advisor, who will provide one-to-one support and advice to new graduates to help develop their confidence in their journey to become experienced, independent vets

Under the scheme, practices wishing to employ new graduates must have at least one trained VetGDP advisor to ensure the provision of this support. This will involve a short, free online training course that will contribute to their practice being recognised as an RCVS-approved Graduate Development Practice. 

The RCVS will be holding three interactive workshops in February to explain the Programme and the changes that have been introduced. The workshops are open to everyone in the practice team interested in becoming a VetGDP Advisor, taking place on:
  • Wednesday 3 February, 12:00 - 1:30 pm 
  • Thursday 11 February 12:00 - 1.30 pm
  • Monday 15 February 7.00 – 8.30 pm
Dr Sue Paterson, RCVS chair of education committee, and Dr Linda Prescott-Clements will be available to answer any questions which can be submitted live during the events. To submit questions and register for the workshops, visit rcvs.org.uk/vetgdpworkshops

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.