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RCVS MMI to hold student VN wellbeing forum
"Having a range of voices amd experiences present throughout the day will be key to generating constructive and forward-thinking discussions" - Angharad Belcher, MMI director.

The RCVS is encouraging students, newly qualified RVNs and clinical coaches to attend. 

The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has announced that it will host a virtual discussion forum to discuss the wellbeing of student veterinary nurses and recently qualified RVNs.

Taking place on Zoom on 3 November 2021, from 10am to 3.15pm, the forum will offer the opportunity to discuss the issues of bullying, incivility, stress and lack of mental health support which can affect student and new veterinary nurses disproportionately in the veterinary workplace.

Key topics discussed at the forum will be the Mind Matters Initiative, incivility and bullying, juggling demands and balancing study, work and life, raising awareness and encouraging pride in the veterinary nursing profession, and disability and chronic illness. 

RCVS director for advancement of the professions, and Mind Matters director, Angharad Belcher, said: “Holding the Student Veterinary Nurse Wellbeing Discussion Forum is one of the first steps in talking through the survey findings and working collaboratively with the veterinary nursing profession to discuss potential solutions and actions we can take.

“Having a range of voices and experiences present throughout the day will be key to generating constructive and forward-thinking discussions. 
“If you have an experience that you want to share or ideas for how the profession could better support the wellbeing of veterinary nurses, then I would encourage you to register for and attend the forum.”

Jill MacDonald RVN, VN Futures Project Coordinator, commented on the upcoming event: “We have put together a varied and engaging programme for the Forum, which we are sure will provoke thoughtful discussions throughout the day. 

“As part of the programme, we have Angharad Belcher and Lisa Quigley from the Mind Matters Initiative giving an overview of MMI and the results of their recent survey, Dr Claire Hodgson MRCVS, Alexandra Taylor RVN and Jane Davidson RVN leading the session on disability and chronic illness, Simon Flemming, a Trauma and Orthopaedic registrar, who will be heading a talk on incivility and bullying and myself and Dr Laura Woodward MRCVS will lead a session on raising awareness and encouraging pride in the veterinary nursing profession. 

“Jane Davidson RVN will also be taking the lead on another talk, where she’ll be discussing balancing study, work, and personal life.

“After each talk, there will be time to reflect on the topics in the facilitator-supported discussion groups, and we are very much looking forward to having the opportunity for student and registered veterinary nurses to help shape the future of wellbeing issues in their profession.”

Those wishing to attend can register on the Eventbrite page, or email info@mindmatters.org to find out more information about the event. 

 

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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
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.