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Blue Cross ‘Vet Nurse of the Year’ winner announced
Danielle receiving her award from Richard Casey and 2017 winner Fiona Leathers.
Award presented to RVNs that go the extra mile to improve pet welfare

Danielle Pountain of Pool House Veterinary Hospital, Lichfield, has won the Blue Cross ‘Vet Nurse of the Year’ award for going ‘above and beyond’ to help animals in need.

Danielle was presented with her award by Richard Casey, clinical development manager at Blue Cross, at the BVNA Congress in Telford, Shropshire. Her nominators praised her for her enthusiasm, extensive knowledge and experience, making her a role model for hard work and self-motivation.  

Commenting on her award, Danielle, a deputy head nurse, said: “I was overwhelmed to receive the call that I had been selected as the Blue Cross Vet Nurse of the Year. It felt like an unbelievable honour to have been considered worthy for an award for doing a job I love to do and I felt like being recognised for my achievements and contribution to veterinary nurses, validated all of my hard work, enthusiasm and dedication. I am grateful to everyone for giving me such a great title and award.”

Mr Casey said: “Danielle is a dedicated and passionate vet nurse who goes above and beyond to help pets in need. She is very highly qualified and is always seeking out the latest research evidence to support the animals in her care, as well as training the RVN’s of the future. Congratulations to Danielle who has truly earned this year’s award.”

The Blue Cross Vet Nurse of the Year award pays recognition to the country’s veterinary nurses and the support they give veterinary teams, pet owners and their animals. It is presented to a veterinary nurse who not only cares for sick and injured pets but goes the extra mile to encourage responsible pet ownership and improve pet welfare in the community.

Danielle was one of more than a hundred veterinary nurses nominated for this year’s award.

 

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.