Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

VN Council names new chair and vice-chair
Matthew was selected by his peers at a meeting of VN Council.

Matthew Rendle and Belinda Andrews-Jones will take up their places at this year’s RCVS Annual General Meeting.

The RCVS has announced that Matthew Rendle RVN will be the next chair of VN Council, becoming the first male veterinary nurse to hold the position.

Matthew was selected by his peers at a meeting of VN Council on Wednesday (17 June) and will be responsible for decisions relating to the regulation, education and registration of veterinary nurses.
He will be joined by Belinda Andrews-Jones RVN who was elected as vice-chair of VN Council.

Commenting on his appointment, Matthew said: “I am very proud to be the first male veterinary nurse to hold the position of Chair of RCVS VN Council. In this position, I will continue to work hard to support and progress the profession of the veterinary nurse.

“It is fundamental we give the general public, as well as our fellow veterinary professionals, a greater understanding of the excellent work we do. We have a positive impact on animal health and welfare, whatever the clinical environment or species. The lack of understanding of what veterinary nurses do is often cited as a chronic issue within my profession and it is something I plan to prioritise during my tenure as Chair of VN Council.”

Belinda added: “I am delighted to have been elected as vice-chair of VN Council by my fellow Council members. It is a huge honour and privilege to be contributing to the RCVS and the profession, in protecting and upholding the high standards of the UK veterinary nurse profession, while progressing the profession forward.

“I feel I can make a positive contribution to the already fantastic work that the college has achieved. I am passionate about progressing the profession forward and expanding the role of UK veterinary nurses.”

A veterinary nurse since 1989, Matthew's career has focussed on caring for exotic animals, particularly in the zoo setting. He delivers lectures at the Royal Veterinary College on topics such as herpetological husbandry and some areas of zoo and wildlife diagnostic imaging and anaesthesia. He also lectures extensively on herpetology throughout Europe and America.

As chair of VN Council, Matthew will also welcome new veterinary nurses to the Register and take them through their professional oaths, represent the RCVS and the veterinary nursing profession at various events and act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the profession.

Matthew and Belinda will take up their appointments as chair and vice-chair respectively at this year’s RCVS Annual General Meeting which takes place on Friday, 10 July 2020. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.