Warwick John Seymour-Hamilton, a former veterinary surgeon who was struck off 27 years ago, has had his ninth application to be restored to the Register rejected on the basis that he would pose a risk to animal welfare if he were to practise as a veterinary surgeon.

Mr Seymour-Hamilton made previous unsuccessful applications for restoration in 1995, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Mr Seymour-Hamilton was originally removed from the Register in 1994 following an inspection of his veterinary practice premises in Orpington, Kent, that found that the condition of the practice, including the equipment and facilities, were of such a risk to animal health and welfare that it brought the profession into disrepute.

In considering his current application, the Committee had to take several factors into account, including: whether Mr Seymour-Hamilton had accepted the findings of his original hearing; whether he demonstrated insight into his past conduct; protection of the public and the public interest; the future welfare of animals committed to his care should he be restored; length of time off the Register; his conduct since removal; and evidence that he’d kept up-to-date in terms of the knowledge and skills required of a practising veterinary surgeon.

Mr Seymour-Hamilton accepted the facts of the original charges but did not accept the conclusions of the two veterinary surgeons who inspected his practice, who, he claimed, had falsely accused him.

As a result, the Committee concluded that Mr Seymour-Hamilton did not accept the seriousness of the original findings against him, nor had he demonstrated any insight into either the original charges, nor what was required of him to enable a successful application for restoration.

Judith Webb, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee is driven to the conclusion that the applicant has displayed total disregard for rules and regulations. In his evidence he stated that he is professionally competent to spay a cat  and  he had done so in Calais. This was in recent years and whilst struck off by the RCVS, and after more than 25 years out of the profession. He was unable to see that he had done anything wrong in this.”

As to protection of the public and the future welfare of animals committed to his care, the Committee found that Mr Seymour-Hamilton continued to display a lack of understanding of the role and purpose of regulation. He had shown no insight into previous decisions or of what was required of him to enable a successful restoration, despite being given advice in that regard. He presented no compelling evidence to indicate that he would be safe to practise veterinary surgery were he to be restored to the Register.  

Regarding Mr Seymour-Hamilton’s conduct since removal from the Register, the Committee found he did not demonstrate sufficient relevant conduct in relation to his fitness to practise. The Committee noted that, on previous occasions, he had indicated he had illegally practised veterinary surgery and admitted using his own animals to experimentally administer new and untested remedies.

The Committee found that, in relation to the 27 years since removal from the Register, Mr Seymour-Hamilton had not undertaken the prolonged, intensive and formal retraining needed to ensure he was now fit to practise. It also found that, since the last restoration hearing in 2020, Mr Seymour-Hamilton had undertaken very little continuing professional development, maintaining that he was too busy with his work relating to herbal remedies to attend formal veterinary training.

Judith Webb added: “He claimed that he does not find it difficult to keep up-to-date, because he is able to perform online searches if he is in need of information. He thinks that he is competent to operate even after 27 years out of the profession, and maintains that he could operate now. In the view of the Committee, the applicant is totally unaware of current veterinary principles such as it being an evidence-based profession, use of clinical audit and reflective learning. He does not appear to have accepted the purpose of the regulator in protecting public interest, including maintaining public confidence in the profession, nor its role in upholding professional standards and promoting animal welfare. 

The Committee considers that where some 27 years have passed since the applicant has practised, there will inevitably be a serious risk to the welfare of animals if he is restored to the Register. In addition, the Committee is firmly of the opinion that it would not be in the public interest for the application for restoration to the RCVS Register to be granted in this case.”

The full documentation from the restoration hearing can be found at: www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary

The RCVS and British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support (BVCIS) are asking all vet nurses and student vet nurses to take part in a survey into disability and chronic illness within the veterinary sector.

The aim of the survey is to provide a better understanding of the views, experiences and challenges faced by disabled and chronically ill people within the veterinary profession and provide an insight into how the profession and educational institutions can be more inclusive.

You do not have to be disabled or chronically ill to complete the survey, which will take you around 20 minutes to complete. 

Claire Hodgson, director and co-founder of BVCIS, said: “Working in the veterinary professions with a chronic illness or disability can be hugely challenging, but there is currently a knowledge gap in terms of understanding exactly where the problems lie.

“A 2019 RCVS survey of the professions found that around 6.7% of vets and 7.4% of RVNs have a disability or medical condition that limits work that they can do, but the true figures are likely to be much higher.

"No reliable data for veterinary students currently exists.

“The purpose of this survey is to close that knowledge gap and help us understand how we can better support disabled and chronically ill people in the workplace and education to create a more inclusive working culture.\

“Those living with disability and chronic illness are often hugely resourceful and fantastic problem solvers because of the day-to-day challenges they have had to learn to overcome.

"They have a great deal to contribute to the sector, and it is important that they feel valued and respected and have access to the tools they need to thrive.

“Diversity makes the workforce stronger, so we are calling on as many different people as possible from across the veterinary community to complete our survey so that, together, we can help create a more inclusive workplace for all.”

The survey will be circulated by email to all RCVS registered veterinary nurses and student veterinary nurses in the near future. 

Details will be circulated to students via their educational institutions. 

The RCVS says all survey responses will be completely confidential, and results will only be analysed and reported at a level that does not allow identification of individuals in any way.

Completed surveys will not be seen by anyone at the RCVS or BVCIS – the IES will send through a report with key research findings to both the RCVS and BVCIS after the survey has closed.

Liz Barton and Belinda Steffan will be holding "Menopause interventions in veterinary practice: The importance of workplace interventions in supporting long and healthy careers", a session at the London Vet Show designed to show delegates how they can improve working life for women in the veterinary profession.

Liz, co-founder of WellVet, will present data from a survey conducted by SPVS and Veterinary Woman: ‘Menopause and the Effect on Veterinary Professionals and Teams’, which showed the impact of menopause on an important, experienced demographic, with up to 80% of women experiencing negative physical and mental effects, which are moderate to severe in 30% of women1. 

Belinda, Post Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh will present on conclusions from her research on menopause at work.

Belinda will also share findings from the government-funded Supporting Healthy Ageing at Work (SHAW) Project, a 3-year investigation into hidden health factors affecting how workers over 50 engage with work.

Her presentation will include a synopsis of suggested workplace interventions to trial as a result of this research. 

The session will discuss possible solutions to support improved retention and happier, healthier work for longer across the veterinary sector. It will present an opportunity for veterinary teams to be part of the phase 3 of the SHAW project and trial the evidence-based workplace interventions that have emerged from the phase 1 data.

Liz said: “We could be doing a lot more to support healthier, longer working lives for many women impacted.

“If you are unable to attend this session, please encourage representatives from across your organisations and businesses to attend.

"This could be the start of a hugely positive pan-profession move to improve working life for many.”

The session will take place on 18th November 2022 from 15:45 – 16:35 at London Vet Show in the Business Theatre. https://london.vetshow.com/conference-programme-2022/menopause-interventions-in-veterinary-practice  

Webinarvet will be hosting a lead-in session to this on 15th October 2022 at 8pm. https://www.thewebinarvet.com/webinar/the-m-word-now-is-the-time-to-talk-about-it  

Reference

1. https://www.veterinarywoman.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Menopause-Report.pdf  

IVC Evidensia has collaborated with TVM to publish training materials for vets about DogStem, TVM's stem cell treatment for dogs with mild to severe osteoarthritis of the elbow and hip. 

TVM says DogStem, which is currently the only UK/EU-licensed stem cell treatment for this condition, is clinically proven to reduce pain and lameness while improving mobility and quality of life for dogs over one year. 

The training materials include downloadable teaching guides and two videos fronted by Dr Russell Chandler BVSc CertSAO MSc(OrthoEng) MRCVS, an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Orthopaedics (pictured). 

The videos are designed to help GP vets become more confident about performing intra-articular injections in the hip and elbow, sharing principles and techniques which are also useful for performing arthrocentesis. 

Specifically, the videos show the precise procedures, in both elbow and hip, for accessing joint spaces, confirming accurate placement by the appearance of synovial fluid and injecting DogStem.

The training guides offer supporting diagrams and explanations of the approaches to each joint. 

Russell, who works at Alphavet Referrals in Newport, Gwent said: “We are proud to have been involved in the production of these training videos, which will support veterinary clinicians everywhere in providing pioneering stem cell treatment to improve the quality of life of dogs suffering from osteoarthritis.  

“We have been using mesenchymal stem cell therapy for dogs with osteoarthritis, as part of a multimodal approach, for many years.

"The availability of an off-the-shelf stem cell product, namely DogStem, for the first time promises to greatly widen the applicability of stem cell therapy to these kinds of patients in veterinary practices.

“The early responses to treatment that we have seen with DogStem have been very encouraging. 

"I look forward to following up these cases as they progress through their osteoarthritis journey. 

"DogStem is simple to administer, once you have the skills to inject joints, and the support from the UK suppliers, TVM, has been excellent."  

https://dogstem.co.uk/resources

NVS Group is launching the Big Chill, a new initiative to promote wellbeing in the veterinary workplace.

As part of the campaign, vet nurses are invited to share their top tips for maintaining a calm workplace for staff and patients at: https://www.nvsweb.co.uk/products/big-chill.

Veterinary professionals are being asked to share their top tips in two areas.

Firstly, how they prioritise self-care for themselves and teammates, and secondly, how they best deal with nervous, stressed or anxious patients.

All respondents will be entered into a prize draw for a VetYogi practice subscription.

Gemma Vardy, Senior Category Specialist at NVS Group, said: “Mental health and wellbeing have never been more important within the veterinary industry which is why our dedicated Big Chill campaign supports the wellbeing and mental health of veterinary professionals while also shining a light on animal calming products, such as our select healthcare calming chews, which help support calm and enhance patient experiences.”

https://www.nvsweb.co.uk/products/big-chill 

Congratulations to nine veterinary nurses: Heidi Taylor (pictured right), Fiona Andrew, Rowena Batey, Stacy Brook, Johanna du Plessis, Lauren Emmett, Gemma Fisher, Rachel Forsyth and Jacqueline McMahon, who were amongst 22 veterinary professionals who have been awarded the Veterinary Management Group’s (VMG’s) new Level 5 Award in Veterinary Leadership and Management (AVLM).

The VMG created its Award, Certificate and Diploma in Veterinary Leadership & Management as part of its mission to equip and empower 21st century veterinary leaders.

Launched in 2021, the modular qualifications are accredited by the Institute of Leadership & Management.

All awardees are now moving forward to the Certificate (CVLM) stage of the qualification.

The final stage is the Diploma (DVLM), typically achieved after two years.

Heidi Taylor RVN, Head of Nursing Services at Dick White Referrals in Cambridgeshire, said: “I found the module extremely insightful and useful in my day-to-day role.

"It has challenged me to reflect on my own performance and leadership style and given me a strong understanding of different leadership styles.

"I have used this to better understand my colleagues and to try and to adapt my approach, depending on the situation.”

She added: “Excellent support was provided and the online platform is user-friendly. 

"The content was broken down into manageable sections to avoid overwhelming us and I was able to complete my studies around my other commitments.

"I recommend this course to those looking to improve as a leader by developing greater self-awareness and their theoretical knowledge.” 

Learning and Development Manager at VMG, Dr Hannah Perrin said: “As challenging times continue, veterinary businesses across the UK need the skills, knowledge and experience of their leaders and managers.

"But leaders aren’t born – they need support to develop their skills.

"The CVLM programme incorporates the latest thinking in leadership and management, as well as addressing a range of contemporary issues, both sector-specific and affecting the wider business and social environment."

The next cohort will commence its studies in April 2022. More information is available here: www.vetmg.com/cvlm. 

The RCVS has set out a new methodology and timeline for its review of its guidance to the profession on ‘under care’ and 24/7 out-of-hours emergency cover.

The review, which had been due to start in late 2019, will now start in April 2020. 

Melissa Donald, Chair of the RCVS Standards Committee (pictured right), said: "Regretfully, as the scope and complexity of the review became clearer following Council’s approval of the project, it was also apparent that the original methodology, and the timetable set for it, was not going to be suitable to the task.

"Therefore, over the past few months, the Standards Committee and College staff have been working hard with the external research agency to revise the methodology and we have now reached the stage where we are confident we have got it right, and can now proceed with the review. 

“While we regret the delay, as this review relates to fundamental principles about the provision of veterinary care, it is vital we get it right and that the process is as comprehensive as possible. It is better that it is right than rushed.”

Under the new methodology the review has been split into the following stages:

• An evidence-gathering stage comprising focus group discussions across the UK. For this stage the external research agency will be inviting a wide range of vets from across different sectors and practices to give their views. There will also be a separate focus group discussion for veterinary nurses. The outcome of these discussions will inform the format of and questions to be included in the second-stage survey. Stakeholders, including representative bodies and other veterinary groups, will also be asked for their input at this stage.
• Following the analysis of the focus group discussions, an online survey for the veterinary professions will be launched in summer and will be live for six weeks. Informed by the views arising from the focus groups, this survey will invite views and feedback from the professions.
• Any proposed changes to the Code of Professional Conduct and its supporting guidance on the concept of ‘under care’ and 24/7 emergency cover arising from the survey will be the subject of public consultation. 

Melissa added: “Invitations to our regional focus group discussions, which will be selected randomly from amongst the professions by our research agency, will be going out soon and I would urge anyone who receives an invitation to come along and share their views and ideas.”

For further information, see: www.rcvs.org.uk/undercare

CVS is running a nation-wide clinical improvement project to increase the use of the RVC’s Diabetic Clinical Score (DCS).

The Diabetic Clinical Score is a quick, standardised scoring system to record the clinical signs of diabetes in a patient, which was designed by Royal Veterinary College Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Stijn Niessen.

The scoring system has been turned into a pet diabetes app which allows clients to record and monitor the impact of treatment.

CVS' aim is to use the recently validated tool in over 80% of patient cases to improve the treatment and control of diabetes whilst supporting the practice team to develop their skills in managing the condition. 

Participating practices will use the DCS, alongside blood glucose measurements, to diagnose and monitor patients.

Veterinary nurses will refer animals coming in for six-monthly Healthy Pet Club check-ups to a vet for a possible diabetes diagnosis, whilst vets diagnosing diabetes will introduce owners and patients to the DCS to record a diabetes log, to help manage the condition.

To upskill and develop colleagues in the use of the DCS, dedicated vet and nurse training sessions have been held by the clinical leadership team, including a kick-off ‘diabetes day’ which focussed on current thinking and introduced the DCS tool.

CVS teams have also grouped together to agree a coordinated approach to managing pets with diabetes in their practice.

Supporting diabetes resources have also been drafted for practices, including new clinical guidelines, supporting paperwork and CPD.

Lara Wilson, Regional Clinical Lead at CVS said: “Diabetes is notoriously difficult to diagnose and different vets can use different approaches to managing cases.

“The Diabetic Clinical Score will help the whole team around the patient – the owner, vet and veterinary nurse – to effectively and cohesively manage their care.

It will implement joined-up thinking and help to put a standardised disease management framework in place. 

“It will be fantastic to see the benefits that the Diabetic Clinical Score will bring to our patients and practices.

"I am certain that this will help contribute towards them providing some of the best diabetes clinical diagnosis and care in our profession.” 

Linnaeus, the Mars-owned veterinary group of 44 primary care and 12 referral veterinary practices in the UK, has launched a dedicated central team to help support and develop its nurses. 

Linnaeus says the team will focus on three priorities: student and patient care assistant experience, the professional development of nurses, and a preceptorship (Post-Registration Programme) to support the transition from ‘day one’ to ‘year one’ nurses in the company's referral hospitals.

Andrea Jeffery, Chief Nursing Officer at Linnaeus said: "We want to ensure Linnaeus has a veterinary nursing population which is supported and developed in order to reach its full potential in its ability to deliver best patient care. 

"To help achieve this, we aspire to enable the patient care and nursing team to achieve success through supportive, well managed training programmes, which our newly-established central support team will help to deliver. 

"This will ensure the structure of our nursing teams can help each individual meet their personal goals, with clear progression opportunities.

As part of the support team, Student Experience Managers Trish Scorer and Lucy Middlecote will be responsible for developing a standardised and supportive training approach for Student Veterinary Nurses, Patient Care Assistants and those clinical supervisors and mentors who support them. 

Meanwhile, Post-Registration Programme Managers Sam Thompson and Sophie Venables are responsible for supporting early career nurses to develop their skills in referral nursing and will support the development of ‘day one’ RVN post-registration training within the group’s referral practices. 

Lastly, professional Development Managers Claire Roberts (primary care) and Vicky Ford-Fennah (referral) have been given responsibility for supporting nurses who join the group, along with the co-ordination, development and implementation of professional development for RVNs and patient care assistants who want to progress their skills and knowledge in specific areas of patient care. 

The RCVS has announced a number of sessions it will be running at BSAVA Congress this year, including one on the future of veterinary nursing.

The sessions are:

• Thursday 20 March - VN Vision workshop: The future of team-based veterinary healthcare – where next? (Exhibition CPD Stage, Personal Development stream, 4pm to 4.30pm)
• Friday 21 March - CMA Review: Latest update and what can we expect? (Charter 3, Big Issues stream, 2pm to 3pm)
• Friday 21 March - Why does the RCVS do research? (Exhibition CPD Stage, Personal Development stream, 4pm to 4.30pm)
• Saturday 22 March - Understanding the workforce to build a successful workplace (Charter 3, Big Issues, 9am to 10am)
• Saturday 22 March - RCVS regulation changes: What does the future hold? (Charter 3, Big Issues, 11.10am to 12.10pm)
• Saturday 22 March - RCVS Mind Matters - Thriving at work: addressing stress and promoting wellbeing in the veterinary workplace (The Community Hub, 12.50pm to 1.30pm)

https://www.bsavacongress.com/programme

Zoetis is going to preview its new cartridge-based point-of-care haematology analyser, Vetscan OptiCell, at the London Vet Show (Stand N50, London Excel, 14th/15th November).

Zoetis says the Vetscan OptiCell represents a significant leap forward in technology and offers meaningful time, cost and space savings for veterinary healthcare teams, contributing to better patient outcomes and a more efficient clinic workflow.

It uses cell-focusing and AI-powered classification technology for CBC analysis, delivering a claimed lab quality accuracy at the point of care.

Dr. Richard Goldstein, DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, Global Chief Medical Officer and Head of Medical Affairs at Zoetis said: “Vetscan OptiCell delivers high-quality results, enables improved efficiency, and provides a compact footprint.

"For the first time, we are able to use advanced AI image recognition technology to characterise the blood cells instead of relying on their size or other physical parameters.”

Pre-orders will be available in the UK later this year.

Jessica Lewis MRCVS and her husband James have set up VetSetters, a travel company specifically for veterinary professionals. 

Jess, who works as an ECC locum in the North of England, launched the new service to provide sustainable travel options, with a particular focus on creating holidays for time-poor professionals and their families, organising combined leisure and volunteering trips, eco and adventure holidays off the beaten track, and business travel around conferences and events.

The company operates through Not Just Travel to offer holiday deals and discounts exclusively to veterinary professionals.

Jess said: “Having worked in the industry myself, I know the demands staff are under.

"They are incredibly busy but desperately need a well-earned break.

"We take the stress out of the booking process for them, by offering them specifically tailored options to meet their needs and allow them to reset and recharge.”

In addition, VetSetters have partnered with the charity VetLife, donating £5 from each booking in order to support the charity’s work in protecting the mental wellbeing of staff in the industry.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/384018824510499/