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Views sought on Mind Matters strategy
The MMI aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of everyone in the veterinary team.

The initiative is deciding what areas of veterinary mental health and wellbeing to prioritise.

Views are being sought from veterinary professionals on how key areas of the Mind Matters Initiative five-year strategy are developed.

Launched in 2015, the RCVS-run Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) aims to improve the wellbeing and mental health of all those in the veterinary team, including veterinary nurses, veterinary students, veterinary surgeons and practice managers.

Through surveys and discussions at MMI events, the organisation is currently deciding what areas of veterinary mental health and wellbeing to prioritise over the next five years.

The key areas of strategy are research, leadership, beyond mental health awareness, the veterinary nursing profession, students and new graduates, and equality, diversity, inclusion and civility. Members of the profession are now being urged to have their say by taking part in a short survey.

“Our aim for this survey is to give survey participants a chance to have their say into how we develop the key areas of our new strategy,” commented Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters Initiative Manager. “MMI is for everyone working across the veterinary professions, and we want to know what each of our key themes for 2022 - 2027 means to individual members, to help us to make sure everyone’s voice is represented.”

Participants will be asked questions about how they would like the MMI to communicate about new events, training and announcements. They will also be able to suggest ideas for themes or areas of veterinary mental health that they would like to see in the new strategy.

The survey can be accessed via the Mind Matters website and will remain open until 28 February 2022.

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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.