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Young candidate talks positive change
Image: Amy Robinson
Amy Robinson discusses improving support for VNs

VN Council hopeful Amy Robinson, has put forward her views on improving support for veterinary nurses, and her hopes of becoming "the voice for the working VN in practice on the council."

As member of the VN Council, Amy says she would "ask for VNs opinions and take [her] time in listening before making decisions on a subject." She believes that "changes should be made" in the training of VNs to improve well-being, for example teaching sociology, to better allow VNs to understand and help clients.

"I feel VN's should be taught as students about recognising the signs of depression and compassion fatigue and knowing how to deal with them. I would also like to set up a support system for working veterinary nurses, [so] that they have access to professional help."

Mrs Robinson also spoke of the importance of the VN Council in helping the RCVS to achieve its goal of becoming a first-rate regulator. "The VN Council will have a better idea of the VN profession, helping to set the standards of how we want our profession to develop, using our nursing principles of honesty, integrity, openness and transparency."

Discussing the question of veterinary nurses having their own council, separate from the RCVS, Amy advocated unity between the two councils. She said: "I feel we should continue to be a part of the RCVS, overseeing the standards of the veterinary profession as a whole to ensure that animals and clients are being provided with a good service.

"Maybe in the future when we have settled into being a profession, we will be able to have our own council and work alongside the RCVS," she added.

Touching upon the subject of the VN Byelaws, Amy reflected that "with the new awarding bodies and regulatory issues", there has been much change recently within the nursing profession. In light of this, she said: "I feel we should leave the Byelaws and have a stage of seeing how they work and reflect on whether any additional changes need to happen in the future."

As a working RVN in a veterinary hospital, Amy says she has a good understanding of VNs in practice, and what ideas "would and would not work." If elected, she says, "I would like to ensure that VNs are treated as individuals, with different ideas, ambitions and goals, and not just one unit." 

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.