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Fitzpatrick Referrals reveals new hospital director
Image (C) Fitzpatrick Referrals (Facebook).
Nicola Bromley joins management team.

Fitzpatrick Referrals has announced its new hospital director, with Nicola Bromley taking over the role from 2023 onwards.

With over 20 years of experience as a veterinary surgeon, and extensive leadership experience, including a clinical director role at a large multisite veterinary hospital, Nicola is 'looking forward' to supporting colleagues and prioritising wellbeing.

Nicola's predecessor, Brian Wright, retired at the end of 2022 after almost nine years in the role. Under his tenure, Brian guided the team through the pandemic and its challenges and oversaw significant growth for the company. 

Taking up the mantle, Nicola is an RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Medicine, and has experience of both referral and first opinion veterinary practice. 

Discussing her new post, Nicola said: “I am so excited to be part of the Fitzpatrick family and have been taken aback by the warm welcome the team have given me. It is humbling to see the inspiring work that happens on a daily basis. 

“I look forward to supporting my colleagues to continue to ensure that Fitzpatrick Referrals remains one of the best orthopaedic and neurology centres in the world. It is such a privilege to work alongside such a talented, caring and compassionate team.”

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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.