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Vetlife Helpline reaches over 4,000 contacts
This latest milestone marks a significant increase in demand for its mental health service.
The charity provides confidential support for those in the veterinary profession.

A mental health charity for the veterinary profession has marked a historic milestone, as its helpline exceeded 4,000 contacts for the first time.

The Vetlife Helpline reached a total of 4,042 contacts across 2023, which was a 15 per cent increase on the 2022 total of 3,503 contacts. This latest milestone marks a significant increase in demand for its mental health service.

The helpline supports all members of the veterinary profession, including nurses, students and non-clinical staff. Those needing support are able to access confidential, round-the-clock support.

As part of its services, the Vetlife Helpline continues to support practices which are coping with bereavement due to suicide, offering tailored assistance for each practice.

As well as its Helpline, Vetlife also runs a Health Support service, connecting individuals experiencing mental health issues and disorders with essential mental health care resources. In 2023, Vetlife facilitated 198 referrals through this service.

Vetlife’s Financial Support service, meanwhile, provides financial assistance to veterinary surgeons and nurses. Those in need of support may get professional financial advice or, if needed, monthly grants or one-time gifts.

Across 2023, Vetlife provided over £100,000 in financial aid to those in need.

Vetlife president James Russell said: “I am hugely grateful to the awesome team of trained volunteers, drawn from our professions who ensure that every contact to Vetlife receives a timely and individual response. It is reassuring for me to know that we are providing a listening ear to so many people who need our service.
 
“As the demand on Vetlife Helpline increases, so does the imperative to train more volunteers, and to ensure that more complex needs of callers are being understood and met. This, together with the Health Support service, and our Financial Support service comes at a cost to our charity, and I am delighted that we are undertaking fundraising in a more professional manner than ever.”

You can become a Friend of Vetlife, which gives mental health and financial support to your peers, here. Or to make a donation to Vetlife, visit here.

Image © Shutterstock/Vetlife

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VMD responds to Solensia injection concerns

News Story 1
 The VMD has added anaphylaxis to the SPC of Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats.

It says that this is a rare side effect, with such adverse events affecting fewer than three animals for every 1000 doses of Solensia sold.

Solensia is used to alleviate osteoarthritis pain in cats. It contains the active ingredient frunevetmab.

Anaphylaxis joins effects such as alopecia, dermatitis, pruritus on the list of adverse effects.

The VMD says that is constantly reviewing adverse event data for all medicines. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Applications open for RCVS Fellowship

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened applications for veterinary surgeons to join the RCVS Fellowship.

The RCVS Fellowship is a learned society which works to advance veterinary standards and promote scientific excellence.

Veterinary surgeons can enter the RCVS Fellowship through three routes, each with different criteria. This enables people with a range of expertise and experience to join the society.

The routes are: Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice, Meritorious Contributions to Knowledge and Meritorious Contributions to the Profession.

Applicants must share a summary of their contributions to the profession, including examples of significant works produced throughout their career. The application will then be assessed by a panel of judges against a set of criteria.

Veterinary surgeons have until 4pm on Friday, 14 March to submit applications. More information, including requirements and guidance can be found here.