Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 3rd September 2021
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Penrith clinic celebrates environmental impact award
"Veterinary Vision is demonstrating its organisations commitment to minimising its environmental impact." - April Sotomayor.
Veterinary Vision has been recognised for its commitment to the environment. 

A veterinary eye clinic is celebrating an award for its drive to cut its environmental impact.

Veterinary Vision, which has three clinics based in the north of England, has received a bronze award from Investors in the Environment (iiE), which runs an initiative to encourage companies to cut emissions and waste across the country. 

The clinics in Penrith, Sunderland and Charnock Richard were judged in five areas of their environmental management by the iiE in order to receive the award. 

Opened in 2017, the Penrith clinic contains many features to reduce its carbon footprint, and generates its own electricity via solar panels. 

Veterinary surgeon at the clinic, Chris Dixon, said: “We’re very pleased that our commitment to address our environmental impact has been recognised by iiE.

“As part of the process, we created an environmental policy to outline our goals and commitments across the practices.

“We encouraged involvement from all members of staff and canvassed opinion on our key objectives. It was critical that we stepped forward as a team to make a real difference.”

April Sotomayor, iiE auditor, commented on the clinic's initatives: “Veterinary Vision has collected an impressive amount of data. In addition to utilities, Veterinary Vision also monitors isoflurane, general waste, dry mixed recycling, clinical waste, other healthcare waste, company van and staff mileage and paper use. 

“Veterinary Vision has implemented actions to reduce waste and improve recycling, including the removal of plastic cups, installation of more and bigger recycling bins in consultation rooms and the purchase of reusable bottles and scrub hats. 

“The practice has also engaged staff in a week of litter picking events around the practice, in the Lake District, Ullswater and St Bees Beach.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.