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Burgess Excel Vet Awards finalists revealed
"The standard of entries we've received has been absolutely outstanding" - Dr Suzanne Moyes.
Categories include Rabbit Vet Nurse of the Year and Rabbit Student of the Year.

The shortlist of finalists for the 2021 Burgess Excel Vet Awards has been revealed.

Run in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, the awards celebrate the hard work of veterinary practices and individuals working to improve the lives of the UK’s pet rabbits and guinea pigs. 

One winner from each category will be presented with a trophy and cash prize of £250 at the London Vet Show in November. There will also be a digital announcement on Burgess’s social media pages. 

A panel of judges, including industry experts, veterinary professionals, and rabbit and guinea pig specialists, selected the finalists from hundreds of nominations and self-nominations from UK veterinary professionals, practices and their clients. 

Judge Dr Suzanne Moyes, veterinary director at Burgess Pet Care, said: “We have been delighted with the fantastic response to this year’s Excel Vet Awards. It’s hugely rewarding to hear about so many veterinary professionals and practices who are going that extra mile to take care of the UK’s rabbits and guinea pigs, despite the additional challenges created by the pandemic in providing high levels of care. 

“Once again, the standard of entries we’ve received has been absolutely outstanding, which has made the judging panel’s job very difficult! Congratulations to everyone who has made the shortlist, which in itself is an achievement to be proud of.”

The finalists in each category are as follows: 

Rabbit Vet Nurse of the Year
Heidi Barringer, Wood Green, The Animals Charity, Godmanchester
Katie Richmond-Jones, Downland Veterinary Group, Bognor Regis
Rachel Sibbald, Abercorn Veterinary Centre, Edinburgh
Victoria Stearman, Origin Vets Clinic, South Wales area
Adina Valentine, Origin Vets Clinic, South Wales area
 
Rabbit-friendly Veterinary Practice of the Year
Highcroft Exotic Vets, Bristol
Origin Vets Clinic, Vale of Glamorgan
Quantock Veterinary Hospital, Bridgwater 
Royal Veterinary College, Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital, London
Suffolk Exotic Vets, Suffolk
 
Rabbit Support Staff of the Year 
Ellie Wright, Riversmeet Vets, Atherstone
Rachel Sanderson, Robert Jones Vet Surgery Blackpool
Corinne Voigt-Hill, Vets4Pets, Bangor
Donna Robson, Pennard Vets, Sevenoaks
Chrystabel Burt, Medivet, Ashford
 
Rabbit Student of the Year 
Megan Bailey, Duchy College Rosewarne, Camborne
Amy Loverance, Nottingham Veterinary School
Sarah McMahon, University of Glasgow
Grace Mee, University of Liverpool
Tanya Peters, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire
 
Guinea Pig-friendly Veterinary Practice of the Year 
CJ Hall Vets, East Sheen, London
Derwent Valley Vets, Matlock
Highcroft Exotic Vets, Bristol
Origin Vets, Cardiff
Twickenham Vets, London

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.