The RCVS President Kate Richards has issued a statement in support of Ukraine, whilst one practitioner, dental Specialist Bob Partridge, has donated a day's takings and is encouraging others to do the same. 

Kate said: "In recent days we have watched the unfolding events in Ukraine in horror, shock and with tremendous sadness.

"We are determined to offer as much help and support as we can to our Ukrainian veterinary colleagues fleeing this crisis and seeking refuge in the UK.

To that end, the College offers a financial support scheme for refugees which is immediately available for Ukrainian veterinary surgeons with refugee status.

The scheme enables refugee vets to take the RCVS Statutory Examination for free, offers financial support to attend exams, free access to the RCVS library and free membership of BSAVA, BVA, BEVA, BCVA and VMG.

In addition, whilst Russian-based business interests comprise less than 0.1% of the College's investment portfolio, it has instructed its fund managers to get rid of all Russian investments at the very earliest opportunity. 

Meanwhile, veterinary dentist Bob Partridge has donated a day's takings from his Harrogate-based, Specialist-led small animal dental referral practice, VetDentist, to the British Red Cross Ukraine.

He said: "I got home late and exhausted, turned on the news, and knew that my “tough day” was as nothing compared to the troubles, the fear and the pain experienced by the people of Ukraine."

Other members of Bob's team followed suit, as did the team at Training-Progress, and they hope others will do the same. 

Bob said: "Please put your money where your mouth (or keyboard) is!"

https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal

Photo: CC BY-SA 2.0 Aleksej Leonov

The RCVS is to hold a series of in-person and virtual question times, starting this autumn.

The sessions will allow members of the profession to find out about upcoming College projects and put questions to the RCVS Officer Team, RCVS Council members and senior staff, in a friendly, informal atmosphere.

The first event is taking place at the Hilton Glasgow on William Street at 6:30pm, where there'll be supper and drinks before the main event at 7:30pm, when RCVS President Melissa Donald, RCVS Treasurer Niall Connell, RCVS Senior Vice-President Kate Richards, Junior Vice-President Sue Paterson, VN Council Chair Matthew Rendle, RCVS Registrar Eleanor Ferguson and RCVS CEO Lizzie Lockett will update everyone on College activities and take questions. 

The College says that the topics for discussion will be up to the audience but are likely to include workforce issues, the review of RCVS guidance on under care, proposals for legislative reform, VetGDP and the future of extra-mural studies.

Melissa said: “In my opening speech as RCVS President I said that one of the key missions of my presidential year was to talk – and especially listen – to as many members of the professions as I possibly can.

“Relaunching our question time programme after a hiatus will give me the opportunity to do exactly this, as well as giving members of the professions that all-important opportunity to put their questions and concerns directly to us.

"We might not be able to address every problem, but these events give an excellent opportunity for vets and nurses to raise issues, forge connections with their peers and work together to find solutions.

“I hope that many of you will be able to come to our first in-person event in Glasgow but we will also be holding these question times virtually in the future for those people who may struggle to make it to these evening events.

"Rest assured – if you want to be heard, we will find a way to listen.”

The next in-person event is due to take place in Nottingham in January 2023 while the first virtual question time will take place in November 2022.

To register for the Glasgow event visit: tinyurl.com/22pem3d6

The Veterinary Management Group (VMG) has announced a series of regional workshops for those interested in achieving the Certificate of Veterinary Practice Management (CVPM) next year.

The CVPM is the industry-recognised professional examination for veterinary managers. Covering six main areas – strategy, finance, marketing, personnel, communications and general management - it is available to VMG members who want to consolidate their knowledge and experience with a recognised qualification. Candidates must be employed in the veterinary sector in a management role.

The regional workshops are free to attend but registration in advance is required.

Saturday 7 March 2020, 10.30 am – 1.00 pm
Workshop 1: Coverdale House, Aviator Court, York YO30 4GZ. 
Workshop 2: Clue House, Petherton Road, Bristol, BS14 9BZ. 

Saturday 21 March Workshop 2020
Workshop 1: Goddard Veterinary Group Wanstead Veterinary Hospital, 84 New Wanstead, Wanstead, London E11 2SY.
Workshop 2, Manchester: This workshop takes place at the Vets Now Hospital, 98 Bury Old Rd, Whitefield, Manchester M45 6TQ.

Those attending VMG-SPVS Congress 2020 at Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, are also strongly advised to attend the Management Mastery Stream, on Friday 24 January 2020.

VMG Director Ms Georgina Hills (pictured right) said: "Those involved in practice management require expertise in all the key aspects of running a successful business, as well as a deep understanding of the veterinary sector. The CVPM is a testing qualification and is increasingly recognised as a benchmark for excellence. Our regional workshops are ideal preparation for those preparing to submit their applications in August and to undertake the examination in November 2020 so we look forward to meeting potential candidates around the country during 2020."

Miss Emma Hollingworth from the Park Vet Group in Cardiff, who achieved the qualification in 2018, said: "Coming from a nursing background where much of my knowledge was gained through experience, the CVPM required me to research and develop skills which are not taught to all veterinary nurses and I feel it has given me a strong platform from which to develop my career.  The VMG provides excellent preparation days and I highly recommend attending one to those sitting the exam."

The CVPM examination consists of a written 3,000-word report and the examination itself which consists of a ten-minute presentation on a subject supplied by the examining board; a 15-minute discussion of the submitted report and two further 30-minute oral exams on related topics.

Further information is available at https://vetmg.com/cvpm-vpac/

Vetpol has announced that it will hold the UK's first SQP Congress at St John’s Hotel in Solihull on 16th April 2024

The event will focus on companion animals and deliver 7.5 hours of CPD. 

150 tickets have been pre-sold and a further 100 tickets will be made available to pre-registered delegates first.

Vetpol director Caroline Johnson said: “SQPs have few opportunities to connect with and learn from their peers from other businesses in their day to day work.

"Our 2024 Congress will allow delegates to network, fully immersing all attendees in an enjoyable, practical learning experience.

"While the event is companion animal focused, we expect to attract SQPs from vet practices, retail environments, saddlers, and agrimerchants, bringing together a diverse audience with different experiences and perspectives.

"This means there is a huge potential to share tips and ideas, as well as to really experience the energy and passion that SQPs bring to their roles.”

Congress also includes an optional party night which promises to offer a great opportunity to create lasting friendships and develop an extended network of support.

To pre-register or find out more about the congress programme, contact: molly@vetpol.co.uk.

Vet-AI, the company behind the online veterinary consultation app, Joii, has announced a partnership with Markerstudy Broking, through which Asda Money pet insurance customers will get access to veterinary care via the app. 

Policyholders will get unlimited access to Joii Pet Care’s video consultations with UK veterinary surgeons, which usually cost £24 per call.

Pet owners with Asda Money pet insurance will also be able to access Joii Pet Care’s symptom checker, which is designed to help pet owners pinpoint issues from their home. 

Paul Hallett, co-founder of Vet-AI, said: “We’re delighted to announce this major partnership, which completely opens up access to professional vet care for thousands of pet parents who will benefit hugely from accessing regular, preventative veterinary care from the comfort of their homes.  

“Many pet owners are now facing high vet bills and difficulties accessing in-practice veterinary care.

"Both Markerstudy Broking and Asda Money share our commitment to put animal welfare first, and collectively we’ll ensure more owners have easily accessible choice to receive the very best care for their pets.”

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has refused an application by Warwick Seymour-Hamilton to be restored to the Register of Veterinary Surgeons.

Mr Seymour-Hamilton was originally removed from the Register in June 1994 for failing to maintain his practice’s equipment and facilities in working order and for a total disregard of basic hygiene and care for animals, thereby bringing the profession into disrepute.

The restoration hearing on 20th May was Mr Seymour-Hamilton’s seventh application for restoration. Previous applications had been heard but refused in July 1995, June 2010, February 2015, March 2016, May 2017 and April 2018. However, as the Committee makes its decision on the merits of the case before it, those previous applications were not considered as relevant to its current decision.

The Committee heard oral evidence from Mr Seymour-Hamilton and were shown clear bottles with liquid, a container with tablets and petri dishes with grown cultures as detailed documentary evidence. In respect of any concerns regarding keeping his veterinary practice up-to-date, Mr Seymour-Hamilton said that “you never lose that skill” and explained that he kept up-to-date through extensive reading and conversations with veterinary surgeons in Europe. 

However, the Committee had significant concerns as to his fitness to practise safely as a veterinary surgeon for a number of reasons, including that nearly 25 years had passed since he was last in practice and that there was little, if any, evidence of him keeping up-to-date with the knowledge and skills required to practise as a veterinary surgeon.

Ian Green, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The applicant worryingly did not accept that he was in any way deskilled by the passage of time. The evidence that the applicant has provided showed limited interaction with other veterinary surgeons and there is no documented evidence of the discussions or structure of the meetings he had with veterinary surgeons in Europe.

"There is no evidence of a prolonged and intense period of re-training by way of relevant study to demonstrate that a sufficient level of competence to return to practise has been achieved. In the absence of such evidence the Committee was of the view that there would be a serious risk to the welfare of animals if the applicant was restored to the Register.

"Further, it was a grave concern to this Committee that the applicant demonstrated worrying attitudinal issues towards individuals of a different religion and his attitude to employing a minor when he knew it to be against the law. Such attitudes are incompatible with professional standards the public would expect of a veterinary surgeon."

Finally, with no evidence of public support for the applicant, the Committee concluded that the application for restoration should be refused.

Davies Veterinary Specialists in Hertfordshire is holding an open day for veterinary nurses who are looking for a career move, on 29th January 2022. 

30 nurses have already booked a place at the event which is being held so you can have a no-strings opportunity to find out what it's like to nurse at a large, diverse referral centre like Davies. 

Lillian Twigg, Davies Head of Nursing Services said: “You’ll have a very informal opportunity to meet and chat with our team of nurses and clinicians, take a tour of our hospital and find out more about the different nursing roles available at Davies.

“We will be rounding off the day with a good lunch and a chance for some more relaxed conversation with the team.”

The timetable for the day is:

• 9am arrival and refreshments
• 9.30am group tours of the hospital
• 10am meet the nursing team including a Q&A session on working at Davies
• 11am meet the clinicians including a Q&A on some cases
• 12pm opportunities for on-the-spot interviews
• 12-2pm lunch and an informal chat with the team

To book your place at the Open Day visit vetspecialists.co.uk/openday/

Cardiff-based Nicola Jade Burrows MRCVS has been restored to the Register by the RCVS Disciplinary Committee, following her removal in May 2021 for dishonesty over insurance claims.

At the hearing, the Disciplinary Committee considered whether she had accepted the findings of the Committee at the original inquiry hearing, the seriousness of those findings, whether she had demonstrated insight into her past conduct, and the protection of the public and the public interest.

In her restoration application, Dr Burrows included continuing professional development (CPD) certificates for the courses she had completed since her removal from the Register, letters/informal witness statements from the veterinary surgeons and nurses she had worked who had expressed a willingness to employ her again, together with character references and reflection statements.

She also made a detailed opening statement in support of her application, in which she said that the period since her name was removed from the Register was extremely difficult and also that she now unconditionally accepted all the Committee’s original findings in May 2021, some of which she had previously denied and had failed to acknowledge.

Dr Burrows went on to state that she only had herself to blame for her actions and that she now understood and accepted that the original sanction of removal from the register had needed to be severe given the serious breach of trust to the public, to the veterinary profession and the insurance industry that was a direct consequence of her dishonest actions.

Since removal from the Register, Dr Burrows had taken on the role of receptionist in a Vets4Pets practice in Cardiff, which required her to deal directly with the public and their insurance requests and entitlements.

She stated that as a result of her involvement over the past 18 months in processing insurance claims, she acknowledges the “delicate” relationship between veterinary surgeons, clients and insurers.

Additionally, working as a receptionist, had allowed her to recognise the need for contemporaneous and clear clinical notes.

She also highlighted her CPD, which was relevant to insurance, as well as the fact she’d undertaken a professional ethics course to assist her rehabilitation, reflection, and insight.

In support of Dr Burrows’ restoration to the Register, the Committee took into account three witness accounts from people who work at the Vets4Pets branch where Dr Burrows works as a receptionist.

All witnesses gave positive reflections on Dr Burrows’ character and assured the Committee that they would provide the correct level of support to allow her to return to work safely and that they would have all the necessary safeguarding measures in place to ensure that the public’s and the profession’s interest is always at the forefront.

Judith Way, chairing the Disciplinary Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee was impressed by the fact that busy professionals chose to give up their time to provide witness statements and give evidence in support of Dr Burrows’ application.

"All witnesses were clearly supportive of Dr Burrows’ request for restoration to the Register.

“The Committee found Dr Burrows to show remorse and she does now accept the findings of dishonesty that were made against her in the original enquiry hearing and stated that her conduct was dishonest.

"In the Committee’s view, the evidence given by Dr Burrows on affirmation was very believable and she now accepts her dishonesty together with the gravity of her dishonesty.

“The Committee also formed the view that the steps she has taken to address her dishonesty serve to confirm that she is passionate about the prospect that she be allowed to return to practise.

"The Committee was impressed by Dr Burrows and the evidence given and is now satisfied that she will ensure the highest standards of probity and honesty in the future.

“Having taken all evidence into account, the Committee is satisfied that the future welfare of animals under Dr Burrows’ responsibility will be properly protected, and that her future dealings with insurers will be honest in all respects and that the interests of the public will be met.”

https://www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/disciplinary-hearings

Pfizer has released the results of its first Performance Index (formerly the Fort Dodge Index) which shows mildly improved trading conditions for the companion animal veterinary market in the first quarter of 2011. 

Those aspects of veterinary business that showed an improvement in the first quarter of 2011 include: turnover growth (+0.8%, up from -0.1% in March 2010); client retention (+0.1%); the average number of visits per year (+ 0.17%); annual transaction value (+ 1.1%); average transaction value (+0.8% to £41.74); fee per product service (+0.2%) and products and services sold per visit (+0.6%).

Leveraged sales (typically pet-care products), which were down 2% (from 40% to 38%) in 2010, have increased 0.9% in the first quarter of 2011 to make up 39% of practice transactions.

Less positively and pointing to the need for veterinary practices to implement ongoing marketing initiatives, the number of new clients coming into practice is down (-0.4%) as is the number of active clients (-0.26%). Revenue from loyal clients (those that visit the practice for additional products and services, particularly vaccination and other preventative healthcare programmes) was static. Although flat growth is an improvement on previous reports, this is still a concern, as it is these clients who are the driver for revenue growth in many practices. 

Pfizer Business Consultant, Simon Fowler said: "Although the figures are only very slightly improved this does mirror what we are seeing in practices that we visit. Practice turnover growth of 0.8%, while only small, is much better than any quarter in 2010. So we may be seeing the first green shoots of recovery, but there's still no room for complacency. Before we all breathe a collective sigh of relief, however, it should be remembered that as this is the first report for 2011 it is only an early picture, while a fuller story will be gleaned from the second report, which will show results from the first six months of the year.

"What is clear is the need for practices to market themselves in order to attract new clients, increase growth from active clients and increase client loyalty. VetSupport+ includes a range of marketing services to help practices in this respect. A practice has already achieved TV coverage via our Public Relations support service, while others are using PressRoom newsletter templates to keep potential and existing clients up to speed with the practice's news."

Further information about Pfizer's VetSupport+ service is available at www.vetsupportplus.co.uk.

Ceva Animal Health and the University of Lincoln are looking for puppies that are less than 12 weeks old to take part in a behaviour study, and are offering veterinary nurses a £10 voucher for every animal recruited.

The placebo-controlled study is designed to investigate whether or not a dog pheromone collar may help to reduce the severity or development of potentially problematic behaviours in puppies.

Participating owners will be sent collars (which may or may not contain pheromones) to put on their puppy for 6 months, during which time they will need to complete a monthly questionnaire.

As a thank you, all owners will receive a bag of doggy goodies and will be entered into a draw for a new iPad. There is more information for pet owners here: https://www.adaptil.com/uk/Puppy/node_49121

If you'd like to help recruit participants, you'll need to register your practice to take part here. Ceva has produced information packs and posters which will be sent out after registration.

Photo: Shutterstock

Bayer Animal Health has launched Neptra, its new single-dose, vet-applied treatment for canine otitis externa (OE).

Neptra contains florfenicol, an antibiotic which Bayer says is ideal for dealing with the Staphylococcus pseudintermedius found in the majority of otitis externa cases, together with terbinafine hydrochloride, which is effective against Malassezia pachydermatis, and mometasone furoate, a corticosteroid that provides anti-inflammatory activity to improve patient comfort. 

A single, 1ml dose in each affected ear treats dogs of all breeds and in trials, continuous clinical improvement was seen until day 28.

Neptra was approved for use in the USA back in 2015, where it has apparently gone down a bit of a storm, becoming the number one product for otitis externa in the country, with over 4.7 million doses prescribed since 2017.

Dr Ken Kwochka, DVM, DACVD, President of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology (pictured right) said: "This solution is trusted by thousands of vets across the USA, it’s now time for UK vets to benefit from the convenience and confidence Neptra offers. Neptra is the ideal and easier way to treat the majority of otitis externa cases you see and can (and should) be used first-line."

Donna Tomlinson, Senior Brand Manager at Bayer said: "It’s not every day that you’re able to launch a solution that has the potential of Neptra to change treatment practices for the better and improve outcomes for dogs. Across the UK and Europe, our brilliant team at Bayer have put months of effort into this launch and developed an exciting marketing support package. Our veterinary business managers are already out on the road, ready to talk to you all about it."

Neptra is available now to order as one SKU via your regular wholesaler or speak to your Bayer veterinary business manager. 

Practice support materials are also available via www.vetcentre.bayer.co.uk.

Identichip will be running a competition to win a Yorkshire's Finest Hamper for the best practice waiting room microchipping display during National Microchipping Month in June.  

Entries should take clients through the microchipping journey, from microchipping through to registering the microchip, changing contact details and subscription services for when pets go missing.

The company is also urging practices to highlight the new law requiring that all cats are microchipped before they reach 20 weeks, which comes into force on 10th June 2024.

To take part in the competition, post pictures of your waiting room/window display on Facebook in June with the hashtag #MyNMMDisplay and tag @identibase.

Identichip has also launched a social media toolkit which can be downloaded via – https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15lHGJ2dhB_-sjSJjeJegw-Q9GuTVdFPB. 

The toolkit contains a series of social media posts and images for practices to use on their social media channels.

Identichip says it will also have offers on its range of microchips throughout June.

For further info, email: contact@identichip.co.uk. 

www.identichip.co.uk
www.identibase.co.uk

The RCVS has announced that next January, its Mind Matters Initiative will be subsidising an online training course for veterinary nurses to qualify as Mental Health First Aid Champions

The course, which is led by Mental Health First Aid England, comprises of two day-long sessions, the first of which will take place on Tuesday 9th January 2024 from 9am – 5pm and the second on Thursday 11th January.

The course costs £40 per person, and is open to all those working in the veterinary professions.

Advancement of the Professions and Mind Matters Director, Angharad Belcher, said: “This day long training session will help people to gain an understanding of what mental health is and how to challenge stigma, to gain the knowledge and confidence to advocate or mental health awareness, provide them with the ability to spot the signs of mental ill health and the skills to support positive wellbeing, as well as give people the confidence to support someone who is in distress or may be experiencing a mental health issue.

“While these sessions are open to all working in the veterinary professions, we are particularly encouraging vets working in rural areas or in ambulatory work to get involved.

"All veterinary work has its challenges, but we know from MMI funded research conducted by Scotland’s Rural College that rural and ambulatory veterinary work comes with its own set of challenges which is often compounded by working alone or having relatively limited contact with colleagues.

"Those working in rural areas often play integral roles within their local communities and it is therefore important to provide people with the skills to not only look after their own mental health, but with the opportunities to learn how to best support their friends and colleagues too.”

https://vetmindmatters.org/training