Dr Butterworth’s practice was a member of TBAS, a Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs-funded (Defra) project administered by Farmcare Solutions Ltd which provides advice to eligible farmers via its veterinary partners.
The farm to which the charges relate to was owned by Dr Bexon’s partner. It had no cattle on-site (though was still eligible for the TBAS).
Dr Butterworth was charged with signing a TBAS visit report, in which he was named as the TBAS advisor, relating to a visit to the farm in February 2023 which had, in fact, not taken place and then subsequently signed a report about a follow-up visit in July 2023 which also hadn’t taken place.
Dr Bexon was charged with signing the same two false reports as a representative of the farm in question.
Both faced a secondary charge that their actions were dishonest, misleading and risked undermining procedures relating to public health and animal welfare.
Dr Butterworth and Dr Bexon admitted all the charges against them and that these charges amounted to serious professional misconduct.
The Committee also found that their actions amounted to serious professional misconduct in that they had breached three of the five key principles in the Code of Professional Conduct relating to: honesty and integrity; client confidentiality and trust; and professional accountability.
The Committee also found that the actions of both veterinary surgeons had breached the ’10 principles of certification’ outlined in the supporting guidance to the Code.
Considering Mr Butterworth’s conduct, the Committee found that there were a number of aggravating factors including: the premeditated nature of the conduct as he was the driving force behind the deceit, the fact there was financial gain as his practice would have been paid for the non-existent visits, breach of confidentiality for the farmer, breach of client trust for Farmcare Solutions Ltd, and abuse of professional position as a TBAS advisor.
For Dr Bexon the aggravating factors were breach of confidentiality for the farmer, breach of client trust for Farmcare Solutions Ltd, and the fact that, as a TBAS advisor, she should have known that physical visits to farms within the scheme were mandatory.
Paul Morris, chairing the Disciplinary Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee considered both respondents’ conduct was liable to have a seriously detrimental effect on the reputation of the profession and undermined public confidence in the profession and the TBAS process.
"The Committee considered that members of the public would be deeply troubled that registered veterinary surgeons had behaved in this way.”
At the hearing the Committee received a large number of positive testimonials for Dr Butterworth, including three given directly to the Committee – one from a veterinary surgeon colleague and two from farmer clients.
The Committee also considered his lack of previous disciplinary history and otherwise unblemished career, open and frank admissions at an early stage, insight into his misconduct, genuine remorse and positive reflection, efforts to avoid a repetition of behaviours and evidence of a more mature approach to management, lapse of time since the incident.
Taking everything into account the Committee decided reprimanding Dr Butterworth and warning him with regard to future conduct was the most appropriate and proportionate response.
Paul added: “The Committee did give serious consideration to suspending Dr Butterworth’s registration with the College.
"Such a sanction would have sent out a clear message that this sort of behaviour is absolutely not to be tolerated.
"However, in light of the extensive mitigation, his honesty and significant insight throughout these proceedings and the unlikeliness of behaviour of this type ever being repeated, the Committee considered the public would not be best served by suspending an otherwise exemplary veterinary surgeon and that such a sanction would be disproportionate and punitive.”
"In such circumstances, the Committee was satisfied that a reprimand and warning not to behave in this way again, would provide adequate protection to animals and would satisfy the public interest.
"The Committee was persuaded that Dr Butterworth would be most unlikely to make such a flawed set of decisions again.
"Notwithstanding the serious nature of Dr Butterworth’s conduct, the Committee was satisfied that a fully informed member of the public would not be shocked if he were allowed to continue to practise.”
The Committee also received a significant number of positive testimonials for Dr Bexon, with three veterinary surgeon colleagues giving oral evidence to the Committee.
The Committee also considered her lack of disciplinary history and hitherto unblemished career, her open and frank admissions, her insight, remorse and positive reflections, her efforts to avoid repetition of the behaviours and the lapse of time since the event.
Taking everything into account, the Committee decided to reprimand Dr Bexon.
Paul said: “This was not a case where she had been motivated by any financial gain.
"Indeed, everything the Committee had read and heard about her indicated the opposite and furthermore, it was apparent that she had nothing to gain by her actions beyond satisfying Dr Butterworth.
"As already stated, the Committee acknowledged that the role played by Dr Bexon was less than that played by Dr Butterworth.
"Moreover, there was a power imbalance at play and Dr Butterworth was able to take advantage of, albeit unknowingly, Dr Bexon’s lack of self-confidence.”
"The Committee has already indicated that it believed the likelihood of her repeating such behaviour to be non-existent.
"Her significant insight, together with the reflection and remedial work she has undertaken are as much as any person could do.
"She had truly learnt her lesson in the harshest of ways.
"In the Committee’s view she did not represent any risk to animals or the public, indeed quite the contrary as she is a very able vet, in high demand by her clients.”
www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
The increase has prompted a call by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance (EIDS) for equine professionals and owners to strengthen biosecurity and consider vaccination to help reduce disease spread.
EIDS has been monitoring diagnoses reported to SES and says the data indicates a genuine increase rather than normal year-to-year variation.
With the number of confirmed cases climbing, EIDS and the SES network are urging veterinary professionals and horse owners to revisit their yard management practices, saying that simple but consistent actions, such as isolating new arrivals, disinfecting shared equipment, and post-outbreak screening can make a substantial difference in controlling the disease.
In addition, they recommend the Strangvac vaccine, saying that when combined with good hygiene and daily temperature checking, can help reduce both the risk of infection and onward spread.
Dr Richard Newton of EIDS said, “These findings are a clear reminder that strangles remains an ever-present risk to the UK horse population.
"The increase in diagnoses underlines the importance of continued vigilance, prompt reporting, and proactive prevention measures.”
https://equinesurveillance.org/ses/
IVC is one of 115 companies certified in the UK, including Vodafone, Bentley, Amazon and Pfizer, and the first veterinary organisation.
The certification benchmarks organisations globally on their people practices, including strategy, work environment, talent acquisition, learning, diversity, equity & inclusion, and wellbeing.
IVC says the certification reflects a series of initiatives introduced to enhance the colleague experience, including private healthcare options for all staff, a family-friendly policy, a growing network of wellbeing champions and mental health first aiders, and the launch of two new training centres.
Duncan Phillips, IVC Evidensia CEO UK & Ireland, said: “This certification is a welcome acknowledgement of the progress we’ve made, and a motivator to keep improving the experience for every colleague across the UK.”
Androna Benade, Regional Manager for UK and Ireland, Top Employers Institute said: “With veterinary professionals playing a vital role in animal health, food safety, and public wellbeing, this recognition sends a powerful message about the importance of valuing and investing in the people behind the profession.
"As the UK faces ongoing workforce challenges in the veterinary sector, IVC Evidensia’s achievement sets a benchmark for how the profession can be supported, retained, and celebrated as a critical part of the UK economy and society.”
www.top-employers.com
However, many of the causes of above-inflation increases in the cost of veterinary care go well beyond the remit of the CMA and it therefore has limited scope to propose or enforce changes that will likely have any significant impact on costs.
The CMA concluded that the main barriers to healthy competition are: owners not being given enough information, barriers to owners being able to make appropriate choices and an out-of-date regulatory environment.
To correct these issues, the CMA has proposed that veterinary practices should be compelled to:
Given that treatment inflation, rather than a lack of competition, is likely the biggest contributory factor to rising veterinary costs, it seems unlikely that providing price lists, itemised bills or written estimates will do much more than increase the administrative burden on veterinary practices.
What's more, it is very hard to see how price lists and estimates can ever be truly representative in such a complex area as medicine.
So these proposed measures are no more than rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic.
To switch metaphors, the problem is less that pet owners don't know what they're buying and more that the veterinary profession is trying to sell caviar to people who only want or can afford a Big Mac and large fries.
Real change can only be driven by the veterinary profession - not just veterinary surgeons, but the regulator, universities, manufacturers and others, after reflecting on the real, rather than assumed needs of its clients and patients, together with the ethical issues in play.
A good starting point for that reflection is the new book Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas, available now: https://www.routledge.com/Veterinary-Controversies-and-Ethical-Dilemmas-Provocative-Reflections-/Clutton-Murphy-Stephens-Taylor/p/book/9781032579863
The company says Nutramed kills over 99.9% of known bacteria and fungal spores whilst being safe and gentle enough for use on sensitive areas such as around the eyes and mouth.
Lianne O’Boyle RVN and Clinical Lead at Nutravet, said: “Veterinary professionals need a reliable, safe and effective solution for minor wound management and first aid.
"Nutramed hypochlorous spray and gel combine powerful antimicrobial performance with a gentle formula, making it a must-have in every practice and pet owner’s first aid kit.
“Designed to support everyday veterinary care, Nutramed provides peace of mind for professionals and pet owners alike by ensuring minor wounds, cuts, and abrasions are treated quickly and effectively.”
www.nutravet.com.
The new resource contains webinars, vet-written articles and podcasts covering topics including the microbiome, the gut’s role in immunity and toxin ingestion.
The resources support NVS's range of dietary products: Prorestore +, Movipet, Duostart, Glandvet, Activated Charcoal, Duotox and Digestive Paste.
Malcolm Dickinson, Head of Product Management at NVS, said: “The new products are all designed with vets and their patients in mind.
"They’re useful everyday products to help combat some of the most commonly seen conditions in practice.
“We hope the hub will act as a central base of knowledge that veterinary teams can refer back to time and time again.
"The webinar and podcasts in particular are well worth a listen and a watch as they are full of useful information delivered by vets.”
https://www.nvsweb.co.uk/our-brands/select-from-nvs/digestive-health-hub
The College says that its new WhatsApp channel will give alerts of upcoming RCVS events, feature articles, blogs, videos and podcasts.
To follow the RCVS on WhatsApp, you would normally click 'Updates' at the foot of the app and search for "Royal College of ...", but as of today, the channel is still so new, it is not yet listed in the search results.
Until it is, you can follow the RCVS on WhatsApp using this link: https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb78yutE50UlFWxf4h07
The College's relaunched podcast will start with a news segment before going on to a more in-depth discussion on a specific topic.
The first episode - ‘Research with Purpose: An RCVS Perspective’ - discusses the integral role of research in supporting veterinary professionals in the workplace, as well as busting some common workforce myths.
Listening to the podcast can also count towards your CPD requirements.
Ian Holloway, RCVS Director of Communications, said: “We understand how busy veterinary professionals are and how challenging it can be to stay up to date with College updates – particularly for those working in settings with limited access to emails.
"By reintroducing our podcast and launching a WhatsApp channel, we aim to make information more accessible, giving professionals and animal owners alike new and more flexible ways to engage with us in a way that suits them.”
The company says it will be introducing a UK-specific brand in the coming months, but that each practice will retain its independence and culture.
Ben (pictured) started his career in clinical practice but has spent the past decade building and leading organisations across the veterinary and dental sectors, including laboratory services.
Ben Hanning said: “Veterinary professionals are under more pressure than ever – and I’ve lived that reality.
"Vetopia’s UK launch is about creating a new way forward: empowering vets to focus on exceptional care while giving them the support, resources and ownership opportunities that they deserve.
“Our approach is designed to provide the right balance between autonomy and collaboration.
"Together, we can nurture what makes each clinic special while ensuring every team has the tools to thrive.”
A point of difference which Vetopia says sets it apart is its ownership model, through which more than half of the company’s shares are owned by employees.
This enables vets and clinic leaders to benefit directly from the group’s success, while fostering long-term value, collective commitment and a sense of shared purpose across the network.
Peter Thomsen, Group CEO at Vetopia, said: “Vetopia’s success across Europe shows that veterinary excellence thrives when clinicians lead the way.
"Our country-led model combines local decision-making with the benefits of being part of a larger network, giving practices the freedom to deliver care their way while accessing shared expertise, investment and resources.
www.vetopia.com
The RCVS Honours and Awards programme recognises veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and laypeople, both in the UK and overseas, who are carrying out exemplary work across the breadth of veterinary endeavour.
This year, there's a new Collaboration Award to recognise best practice in collaboration – whether that’s bringing together veterinary professionals working in different organisations or disparate fields, or veterinary professionals working with human medics, scientists, lawyers, or law enforcement to improve the health of people, animals and the environment.
In addition to the Collaboration Award, the RCVS awards for which nominations can be made this year are:
The deadline for submitting a nomination for the 2026 RCVS awards is Wednesday 7 January 2026.
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/how-we-work/rcvs-honours-awards
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/forms/honours-and-awards-2026
The three factsheet chapters cover understanding OA, creating a management plan and supporting pets and their owners.
Krka says each section is grounded in evidence-based approaches and was shaped by Professor Carmichael’s extensive knowledge of the pathogenesis of pain in patients with OA and experience in the diagnosis, contextualised treatment, and long-term care of patients with OA.
The resources encourage veterinary teams to adapt their approach to the needs of each case - supporting a flexible, patient-centred mindset in everyday consults.
Stuart said: “What works is the thing that works best for the dog, the owner and the practice in that moment.
“And part of the art is trying to get that right rather than being dogmatic about a certain type of treatment.”
Renzo Di Florio, Krka’s Technical Veterinary Adviser, said: “In first-opinion practice, consult time is limited and there’s a lot to cover.
"These factsheets bring together expert advice in a format that’s quick to reference and easy to apply in consults.
"They’re designed to help vets feel more confident in their approach to OA, especially when time is tight.”
To further support veterinary professionals in managing OA, Professor Carmichael has delivered a webinar, available here: https://membership.elearning.vet/rethinking-canine-oa-login.
He and Renzo will also be presenting together at the London Vet Show this November, delivering a session focused on osteoarthritis in practice on Thursday 20th November at 14.00 in Exhibitor Showcase Theatre 2.
The OA factsheets are available here: https://www.krka.co.uk/veterinary-knowledge-hub/
WellVet suggests a variety of activities that practices might like to run, including coffee and chat sessions where everyone can sit together, have an informal chat and share experiences about the menopause.
That might provide a perfect opportunity for everyone to watch the WellVet animation which summarises the impact of the menopause on veterinary teams.
In addition, practices can use the free educational videos on the WellVet website to learn how the symptoms of perimenopause can be managed through lifestyle adjustments.
Alternatively you might like to just share the link to the WellVet Menopause Resources page with your team, allowing individuals to explore the information at their own pace.
Liz Barton, Director of WellVet, said: “Creating an open and understanding environment around health topics like perimenopause is crucial for the well-being of our teams.
“While perimenopause is a natural life stage, symptoms and long-term effects of hormonal changes adversely affect a significant portion of the workforce, yet it is a topic that is rarely discussed.
"There is growing interest from veterinary teams about how to start this conversation and provide peer support.
"We hope that by highlighting World Menopause Awareness Day, we can encourage colleagues in the veterinary community to take a moment to explore these resources to help individuals and foster a more supportive culture.”
https://www.wellvet.co.uk/resources/menopause-resources-for-veterinary-teams/
RCVS President Tim Parkin said: “The aim of our brand review was to make it easier for people to understand our purpose and the unique role we have as a Royal College that regulates.
“Our new strapline – ‘Inspiring confidence in veterinary care’ – looks to maintain animal health and welfare at our heart and to connect veterinary professionals and animal owners to that purpose.
“I’m delighted to see our new livery now in place around this fantastic new building, along with a number of different artworks that illustrate the College’s heritage and impact on society, and reflect all those with whom, and on whose behalf, we work.”
The College’s new look is has a contemporary feel, but features a shield device based on the original coat of arms granted to the RCVS in 1844, a nod to its history and heritage.
Updates to its overall visual identity include new logos, iconography, typography and colours, although the main blue and gold will remain.
These elements will be used together but in different ways to denote the College’s different initiatives, in order to make it easier for people to recognise the College’s different services.
The full rollout will take place over the coming months, with the design approach also applied to the RCVS Academy later this year and RCVS Mind Matters in 2026.
Branding for the Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) will remain unchanged at least until after the current PSS review has concluded.
RCVS CEO Lizzie Lockett, said: “Our previous look and feel had been in place for over 14 years and had served us well, but the modern, largely digital, communications landscape has evolved significantly in that time.
“We now also undertake a wider range of activities and initiatives and, against the current backdrop of the Competition and Markets Authority review and potential legislative reform, we may need to adapt to further changes ahead.
“It is therefore essential that our visual identity remains fit for purpose now and flexible for the way we work, both now and in the future.”
PSS accredited practices are required to nominate an Appointed Senior Veterinary Surgeon, and under the RCVS Guidance, the College expects all veterinary service providers to do likewise.
Senior Veterinary Surgeons are responsible for making sure practice standards, policies and procedures are compliant with the Code and that legislation and guidance in areas such as veterinary medicines, consumer choice and professional autonomy are being met.
The new course outlines the roles and responsibilities of the appointed senior veterinary surgeon, with examples and scenarios drawn from the supporting guidance to the Code of Professional Conduct.
Clare Paget, RCVS Registrar and Director of Legal Services, said: “The role of appointed senior veterinary surgeon is an absolutely crucial one in the veterinary clinical practice setting.
"Having an appointed senior veterinary surgeon ensures that veterinary teams are working under the guidance and direction of a senior clinical figure and that there is someone who has overall accountability for standards at a practice.
"The appointed senior veterinary surgeon also has the important role of ensuring that the clinical judgement of the veterinary team is paramount over, for example, any commercial pressures.
“This course outlines the roles and responsibilities of the appointed senior veterinary surgeon and will help members of the vet team identify who they are within their organisation and, if relevant, recognise and implement the responsibilities of the role.”
The course takes around 30 minutes to complete, is free to access via the RCVS Academy, and counts towards annual continuing professional development (CPD) requirements for both veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.
academy.rcvs.org.uk
The company says that over that time, it has invested £122 million in sites, equipment and technology, but for some vets and nurses, a lack of training and confidence and a perceived lack of time has been a barrier to getting the most out of it.
The new CVS ‘Equipment Optimisation’ project will focus on CT, X-ray, dental X-ray, microscopy, endoscopy and laparoscopy, aiming to maximise its value and longevity.
The project plans to do this by helping to increase colleague confidence in the equipment’s ability, and to improve its maintenance - thereby reducing down time.
Each CVS practice will select one piece of equipment as a focus area for the next 12 months.
Each practice will create a plan, set project goals and then evaluate and share what works.
To support practices in their work, CVS has created a new clinical projects hub offering information and guidance on equipment set up, use, clinical interpretation, maintenance and troubleshooting.
The company is also offering additional training in the form of in-practice mentoring, radiation protection supervisor training, and a variety of online courses.
Lizzie McLennan Green, CVS Companion Animal UK Veterinary Director, said: “We’ve invested significantly in clinical equipment to improve patient diagnoses.
"And this project will help teams to feel confident in using and maintaining it.
"It offers a huge opportunity to continuously improve; offering better treatment and improved services to our clients and their animals.
“Each practice is being given the chance to select a piece of equipment that best fits their client base, their team and the way they work.
"We’re getting everyone involved from the start to tailor their own project – to make the process more targeted and meaningful.
“And to help colleagues, our clinical projects hub will be the go-to space containing all of the information, tools and support they need to get involved.
"It’ll also allow colleagues to connect with others, share ideas and build confidence as a wider team.”
The answers you get are all linked to their original sources in the BSAVA Library and website.
All BSAVA members get 25 free queries per month, whilst non-members get five.
Queries can also be bought in packs of 25, 50 and 100 searches which have no expiry, priced between £10 and £25 for members.
Alternatively, Rover Unleashed gives unlimited access.
Ian Mellor, Head of Publications at BSAVA said: “In a fast-paced clinical environment, we know that time is precious.
"Rover is a fantastic leap forward in how we support our members, combining innovation with reliability.
"All backed by our trusted resources, we’re confident that Rover will help you to easily cut through the noise and get straight to the information that matters.”
https://rover.bsava.com/pages/about
"Great Workplaces: Raising the Bar (Elevating Skills, Culture, and Leadership)" is a series of four in-depth conversations that will tackle themes that have an impact on recruitment and retention, uncovered through the Great Workplaces by BVA accreditation scheme.
All members of the profession are welcome to join the 50-minute webinar, which will be hosted by Rob Williams, BVA President, and Dr. Kirsten Ronngren, ManyPets Consulting Veterinarian & Vet Engagement Lead.
Rob said: “Effective mentorship is the backbone of any thriving veterinary workplace.
"Whether you’re guiding others or building your own skills, strong mentoring relationships can make all the difference.
"We hope colleagues find the webinars engaging and informative. In our first session, we’ll explore the power of mentoring and work through common gaps revealed by the Great Workplaces by BVA accreditation scheme.”
https://mybva.bva.co.uk/ems-event-calendar/mentoring-matters.html
With contributions from 26 leading lights edited by Tanya Stephens, Eddie Clutton, Polly Taylor and Kathy L. Murphy, 'Veterinary Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas - Provocative Reflections on Clinical Practice' is pitched as being designed to 'stimulate undergraduate thought and discussion', and as a reference for practitioners coming to terms with life in a post-truth era.
That, however, is a massive undersell of the importance and value of this book, which should be required reading for everyone in the profession; not just veterinary surgeons, but nurses, regulators and RCVS Councillors, teachers, pharma companies, practice managers (including corporates) and veterinary receptionists, all of whom would benefit from an informed understanding of the most important issues facing the profession today.
There are too many subject areas in the book to list here, but some of the most eye-catching include the questions of:
It would be wrong to say that the veterinary profession is at a turning point. It has already turned. The question is whether it's heading in the right direction. This book provides a timely opportunity for everyone to reflect on that.
More practically, general practitioners should find this book hugely helpful in informing and shaping their own ethical positions on a variety of subjects, and to be able to express them to clients with more confidence, potentially with a real benefit to animal welfare.
The book is available direct from the publisher: https://www.routledge.com/Veterinary-Controversies-and-Ethical-Dilemmas-Provocative-Reflections-/Clutton-Murphy-Stephens-Taylor/p/book/9781032579863
Or from Amazon and all good bookstores: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Veterinary-Controversies-Ethical-Dilemmas-Provocative/dp/1032579862
Photo: A gripping read.
A 2001 graduate of University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine with an RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Surgery, Rob has worked for many years in general and referral practice and as clinical director of a large hospital in York.
He is also a qualified HR professional and holds an MBA from York Business School.
Since 2016, Rob has worked with VetPartners in management roles, with a focus on graduate programmes management, colleague engagement and career development.
In a career spanning almost 25 years, Dr Williams has also been actively involved with veterinary and academic organisations in various voluntary roles, including as a member of BVA’s Member Benefits Committee for five years; board member for the Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons; member of the RCVS VetGDP sub-committee; and member of the University of York Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body.
He is currently a member of the advisory board at York Business School.
Topics include:
Merel Taal, MRCVS DVM CHPV, Founder and Director at Dignipets, said: “Veterinary receptionists are often the unsung heroes of practice life.
"They are the first voice clients hear and often the last person they see when saying goodbye to a beloved pet.
"That emotional weight can be immense, which is why we believe in equipping them with training, resources and support to carry out their role with confidence and compassion.”
https://www.dignipets.co.uk/login
CharcoPet is a ready-to-use oral gel formulated with 50% activated charcoal and marine-derived polysaccharides.
Forte says Charcopet has a high concentration of activated charcoal per ml, which reduces the volume needed and minimises handling stress.
It's supplied in a 2 x 30ml dial-dose syringes, with each syringe suitable for up to 15 kg bodyweight, used at 2 ml/kg bodyweight orally, repeatable every 4–6 hours if clinically required.
Dr Lucy Chadwick MVB ACIM CMktr MRCVS, Global Partnerships Manager & Head of Technical Services at Forte Healthcare said: “CharcoPet represents a major step forward in veterinary care, offering practitioners a fast, precise, and reliable solution when faced with suspected or confirmed cases of toxin or medication ingestion."
https://fortehealthcare.com/product/charcopet/
Ms Hickman was charged with leaving three dogs, two of which had undergone surgery the day before and one of which was in for monitoring, unattended for more than three hours on 8th November 2022, after falling asleep.
She was then charged with falsifying clinical records to suggest she had made the relevant clinical checks and offered them water when in fact, she'd been asleep.
The final charge was that her actions in falsifying the records were dishonest and misleading.
At the start of the hearing, Ms Hickman admitted all of the charges.
As the charges had been admitted, the Committee considered whether they amounted to serious professional misconduct.
In doing so it noted sections of the Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses that relate to making animal health and welfare a veterinary nurse’s primary concern, the need to provide veterinary nursing care that is appropriate and adequate, and the need to keep clear, accurate and detailed clinical and client records.
Dr Kathryn Peaty MRCVS, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee was in no doubt that the respondent’s failure to monitor properly three patients in an overnight ward in a hospital and the subsequent creation of false records to suggest that appropriate monitoring had taken place amounts to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.”
Having found serious professional misconduct, the Committee then went on to consider the most appropriate sanction, taking into account both aggravating and mitigating factors.
The Committee found that an adverse health condition had influenced the conduct that had led to the disciplinary hearing – including that she had unintentionally fallen asleep while she should have been monitoring the animals – and so considered this a mitigating factor.
Also, by way of mitigation, the Committee considered that Miss Hickman had fully appreciated the implications of her conduct and expressed remorse at the impact it could have on the public’s trust for the veterinary nursing profession.
It also took into account positive testimonials from current and previous employers, her hitherto unblemished career, and the fact that there was no longer any risk of repetition.
However, in terms of aggravating factors, the Committee took into account that it was a case involving dishonesty, and dishonesty which had not been admitted to the RCVS at an early stage.
In addition, it noted that the conduct involved a risk of injury to animals and a breach of trust towards the owners of those animals.
Dr Peaty added: “The Committee was satisfied that a significant period of suspension would properly reflect the gravity of the respondent’s disgraceful conduct, serve to maintain the reputation of the profession and promote and maintain proper standards of conduct.
"The Committee considered that a period of suspension of six months was sufficient to satisfy this public interest.”
Miss Hickman has 28 days from the sanction being announced to appeal the Committee’s decision.
Phacoemulsification uses ultrasonic energy to emulsify and remove the cataract through small incisions on the eye, instead of requiring ophthalmologists to open 180 degrees of the eye.
It also allows for the placement of an artificial intraocular lens for the best possible visual outcome for patients.
This, says Chestergates, significantly reduces recovery time and complication rates compared to traditional methods.
Chestergates has invested over £130,000 in human-grade ophthalmic technology for its phacoemulsification patients, including an Alcon Centurion Vision System with Active Sentry Handpiece, a next-generation operating microscope, portable electroretinography (ReteVet), a Chromatic Pupillary Light Reflex (CPLR) tester and high-frequency ultrasound probes for ocular imaging.
Endika said: “Chestergates is one of the few specialist veterinary hospitals in the region to offer this new technique.
"It allows for safer, more precise removal of cataracts and placement of artificial intraocular lenses - restoring vision with minimal recovery time.
"We hope it will be of great benefit to pets suffering from cataracts across the region.”
Chestergates is offering fixed pricing for its new cataract surgery service using phacoemulsification.
The cost is £4,550 for one eye and £5,550 for both eyes, including all preoperative tests (electroretinography, gonioscopy, ultrasound, blood work), surgery, 24-hour hospitalisation, take-home medications, and 8 weeks of postoperative care.
The advice includes buying healthier breeds, not overfeeding, and reducing the amount of toys and accessories people buy for their pet.
BVA members can download other resources to help start conversations with clients, including a poster, which can be displayed in practice, and social media graphics.
British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Dr Anna Judson said: “We know many vets are concerned about the role the veterinary profession has in protecting the planet, with our Voice of the Veterinary Profession statistics showing 68% of vets feel that vets are either very responsible or quite responsible for prioritising and leading on environmental issues.
"It’s also clear that many pet owners are becoming more interested in being more sustainable and the impact of their pets on the world.
"This new resource aims to support vets to have those conversations with clients and inspire them to become more sustainable pet owners, right from the moment of choosing what pet to welcome into their family.”
https://www.bva.co.uk/resources-support/client-guides/pet-sustainability
A graduate of the University of Córdoba, Spain, Sonya trained and worked across Europe and the United States, including at the Animal Health Trust, The Royal Veterinary College, Colorado State University and Nottingham University.
Her clinical interests span neurology, ophthalmology, muscular disorders, and infectious diseases, and she is widely recognised for her contributions to equine research.
She continues to contribute to ongoing studies in exercise biomarkers, toxicology, and infectious disease management, and regularly presents her findings at national and international veterinary conferences.
Andrew Jones, Clinical Director and Specialist Surgeon at CVS Endell Equine Hospital said: “Internal medicine specialists such as Dr. Gonzalez-Medina, with her comprehensive expertise spanning multiple body systems, will be instrumental in enhancing Endell’s existing services."
The new service will cover a broad spectrum of equine medical conditions, including:
Andrew added: “Our area has lacked this type of service for patients in the past, meaning horses can now access advanced internal medicine care without traveling great distances.”
The Equine Internal Medicine Service is now accepting referrals and direct cases.
https://www.endellequinehospital.co.uk.
The company says the battery-operated, dual-speed clipper has been specifically designed for a close cut to improve hygiene and make treatments easier.
Hefin Rowlands from Heiniger said: “The Opal Xtend will help vets with accurate hair removal for everyday tasks such as TB testing.
"It has been developed to be quieter, which will reduce stress, and has an interchangeable battery system to enable uninterrupted operation during periods of extensive use.
“An LED battery indicator provides forewarning to operators and additional batteries can be swapped out quickly and easily.
"Each battery will last up to 4 hours and the second battery only takes just over an hour to recharge.”
Heiniger claims that at 415 grams, the clipper is one of the lightest cordless models available.
Hefin added: “It is particularly well suited to preparing animals for skin testing, wound treatments and scans including ultrasounds.”
Heiniger says the clipper is also a good fit for agricultural and equine users looking for a reliable and dependable machine that can stand up to demanding use.
https://www.heiniger.co.uk/product/opal-xtend/