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PDSA receives prestigious RCVS Knowledge award
The PDSA received the award for the introduction of a national pain relief protocol.
Quality Improvement award honours the introduction of a national pain relief protocol.

The RCVS has presented the PDSA with a prestigious award recognising the charity's work to improve the provision of pain management.

The 2020 RCVS Knowledge Award for Quality Improvement as a Champion Practice was presented on Thursday (10 September) at the College's inaugural virtual awards evening.

PDSA received the award for the introduction of a national pain relief protocol, auditing of cruciate surgery outcomes and development of clinical incident reporting. Upon receiving the award, Steve Howard, PDSA’s head of clinical services, said:

“We’re delighted to receive this award and to celebrate the work of our veterinary teams who continually work so hard to achieve excellence. These have been challenging times but our dedicated Pet Hospital teams have been working tirelessly to treat sick and injured pets in need across the UK throughout the pandemic; delivering the best quality care they can in very difficult circumstances.”

He added: “I am immensely proud of them all and pleased to be able to share the uplifting news that PDSA has received this award as a result of their hard work and dedication to delivering a quality service in the past – which they are still doing to this day.”

The PDSA's work showcased improvements in pain relief provision following the introduction of protocols, advancements in case selection and management of post-cruciate surgery patients. It also highlighted the role of auditing clinical incident reports to allow interventions to be targeted where they will be most beneficial.

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

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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.