The company points to research which shows that half of all pets around the world are reported to be overweight1.
That, of course, places extra load on the joints.
The new diet has been formulated to help dogs lose weight whilst still getting optimal levels of nutrients.
To help with weight loss, Hill's says it has added ingredients which change overweight pets’ gene expression and activate the metabolism to burn excess body fat.
The diet also contains omega-3-rich fish oil to support joint mobility, antioxidants and vitamins to reduce inflammation and support the immune system, and glucosamine and chondroitin, the building blocks of joint cartilage.
The diet comes in four sizes, one for small and mini dogs (1.5kg), two for medium (2.5kg, 12kg), and one for large breeds (12kg).
Hillary Noyes, Hill’s Veterinary Affairs Manager, UK & Republic of Ireland, said: "Excessive weight can increase a dog’s chances of developing mobility issues which can have a hugely detrimental effect on the animal’s health and quality of life.
"Our new Science Plan Perfect Weight & Active Mobility is the perfect solution for those who want to help their best friend maintain a healthy weight and support joints at the same time. "
For more information, speak to your local Territory Manager or visit https://www.hillspet.co.uk/dog-food/sp-canine-adult-perfect-weight-and-active-mobility-medium-chicken-dry
Reference
The new, four storey, architecturally-designed clinic is full of natural light and includes calming and spacious staff breakout areas.
By combining a beautiful work environment with seamless technology, the company believes it can transform working conditions and job satisfaction for vet teams.
On the tech side, the Creature Comforts has created a proprietary app which allows triage to be handled online and for staff to work flexibly.
The company says the app also reduces the administrative burden, a contributory factor for staff burnout.
Creature Comforts says most clients subscribe at a cost of £20 per pet per month, giving them unlimited consultations, instant bookings and live chat via the app (as well as annual vaccinations and discounted routine treatments).
This should mean animals are seen more frequently, and conditions can be identified and treated earlier.
Memberships will be capped to control vet team caseload and to ensure a good customer experience.
The company is also addressing Competition and Markets Authority concerns, with prices for routine treatments listed on its website, upfront estimates for procedures, and a business model hinged on unlimited access to expertise (i.e. consultations, instant in-app bookings and live chat) at no extra cost for subscribed members.
Creature Comforts says its vet team benefits from a share of their clinic’s profits, above industry-standard pay, compensated overtime, a well-balanced staffing ratio, manageable working hours and scheduled breaks.
Dr Russell Welsh, COO and co-founder of Creature Comforts, said: “It’s an incredible feeling to see a plan come together in a sector that’s so ripe for transformation.
"We want to bring the passion, joy and fun back to our profession, and this is an opportunity to do things differently and vastly better, with a fresh and carefully-considered business model founded on the principles of health and happiness.
"This is vet care as it should be."
https://www.creaturecomforts.co.uk
35% think the rising cost of living is already making it more difficult to give their dogs all they need.
By far the greatest worry was how they would manage to pay vet bills, which 49% named as their main concern.
The second biggest worry was affording dog food (17%), closely followed by insurance (15%).
Non-dog owners in the UK, meanwhile, were asked whether the rising cost of living would prevent them from adopting or buying a dog. Over half (54%) said that it would.
The Dogs Trust says this research mirrors its own experience, seeing a steady increase in the number of requests from owners who have decided to give up their dog.
It harks back to the year after the 2008 recession, when the increase in the number of stray and abandoned dogs reached over 25% in the UK.
Owen Sharp, Dogs Trust CEO, said: "We know from the experience of the 2008 recession that economic crisis can and will lead to people needing to give up their beloved dogs. Sadly, many loving dog owners simply won’t be able to afford to keep them.
“At Dogs Trust we’re rehoming and fostering dogs as quickly as we can - but as soon as we free up a kennel space, there’s a dog to fill it again.
“We’ve already taken 13,000 calls this year from owners who need to give up their dogs – a 58% increase on last year.
“We know that dog owners need immediate help and we’re working hard to find ways to support them - but it takes time.
“However, there are other ways we help, like our Hope Project, which aims to keep anyone experiencing a housing crisis and their dog together, and helping people find other services such as pet food banks or local charities that could ease the burden.”
“We want dog owners to realise that they don’t have to wait until they are in crisis to call us for help.”
There have been major changes to the format for Congress this year.
Sarah Fitzpatrick, BSAVA Head of Partnerships and Events, said: “Last year’s online event proved this can all be delivered in a much more interactive and engaging way.
"Returning to a face-to-face format enables us to take that even further and provide delegates with a truly immersive experience."
Many of the sessions at this year’s event will have two speakers delivering different perspectives on a topic, followed by a Q&A.
With 15-20 minutes to get into the detail, lectures will get straight to the point, be fast-paced and rich in content.
Programme committee lead, Paul Higgs (pictured right) said: “Each subject will be delivered in a mix of formats, lectures, debates and interactive sessions, for example.
"It means delegates won’t find themselves sat for hours passively listening, instead they’ve the opportunity to actively engage with the topics, which will promote deeper learning.
“Where topics overlap subject areas, module delegates will come together to explore diagnostics, treatments and ethics.”
For the first time, delegates will also be able to get hands-on in practical sessions at no further cost.
BSAVA’s President, Sheldon Middleton, said: “I can’t wait to get to BSAVA Congress in 2022.
"The new venue, new format and new exhibition layout will enhance everything that BSAVA Congress is known for.
"Now we’ve got a hybrid format, the on-demand feature means that for the first time I can catch up with friends and not miss the CPD!”
Delegates can also attend online, through an interactive virtual platform, which will run alongside the live event.
To buy your tickets before the touts get hold of them visit: https://www.bsavaevents.com/bsavacongress2022/en/page/home.
Sandymoor Vets and Westbrook Vets are headed by Clinic directors, Dr Becky Crossfield and Dr Rhys Peters, supported by a team of 18 vets, nurses and receptionists at each practice and a six-strong head office support team providing finance, marketing, property and HR expertise.
North Star Vets which was launched by Dr Sean Cleary, Dr Richard Thomas and chartered accountant, Jane Platt, opened its first practice about 11 months ago.
The company is aiming to grow to 10 practices over the next four years.
Sea, said: “The ethos of North Star Vets is about giving the next generation of ambitious vets an opportunity to own a share of their own practice and to run it the way they want, without the risk and substantial capital investment that would usually be required to open their own site.
“Our practices also have the added benefit of our central resources spanning clinical, financial, HR, marketing, procurement and property expertise, which are all required to create a successful business.
"In addition, clients enjoy the service levels and continuity that owner managed businesses are renowned for.”
“We knew our offering would be attractive to high quality vets who have the ambition and drive to go beyond heading up a corporate practice, and want to take their career, experience and earning potential to the next level.
“Burford Lane Vets has been very successful achieving a monthly turnover of £100,000 within its first 12 months and we’re very pleased to follow this with the opening of Westbrook Vets and Sandymoor Vets.
"Both practices are in great locations and have undergone high quality fit outs that incorporate all the latest equipment and facilities.
"When this is combined with the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm of Becky and Rhys, it’s easy to see why both practices are proving popular, with almost 700 clients already registered at Westbrook Vets and more than 400 at Sandymoor Vets.
“We’re already planning to open two more sites in the North West, and are currently looking for high-calibre vets who want to be masters of their own destiny by becoming part of our unique co-ownership model.
"Anyone interested should contact us now.”
www.northstarvets.co.uk
The virtual walks come in the form of a 30 day series of emails taking owners on an imaginary adventure exploring different environments and looking for the things that make these places so exciting for an arthritic dog. Each email will include soundbites from experts and CAM founder Hannah Capon, together with tips and advice.
This year, the charity is also fundraising to keep its live sessions free, to keep its resources accessible to the public and to refurbish its website for owners and animal health professionals.
There are three levels of participation: Garden Wanderer is £10 and gives access to the emails, Facebook group, discount codes and the chance to win prizes and play Big Walk Bingo. Park Explorer is priced at £40 for which participants also get a CAM big walks T-shirt (ladies or unisex fit) and a dog bandana to match. Finally, the £70 Forest Adventurer package adds access to CAM Comprehensive, a course to help owners on their journey with their arthritic dog.
Hannah said: "Please support us, and invite your dog-owning friends and colleagues to do the same. Share the event to your social media pages and help us get the message out that there is more to life with an arthritic dog and even if a dog can’t do the activities they used to there is still a whole world of fun to be found out there whether it is at the beach, in the local park or simply in the garden!"
For more information, visit: https://www.camonlineshop.com/the-big-walk-2021/
Through the new service, which is designed to save clients' time and improve compliance, practices can arrange for owners to receive Bravecto for 12 week flea and tick control, together with the wormer of the vet's choice for six months to a year.
To use the new service, practices need to register clients on a portal provided by Easy Direct Debit (EDD) during the appointment. The first prescription is then dispensed at the practice with subsequent prescriptions sent direct to the owner in the post.
Amanda Melvin, Marketing Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "We launched VetsDeliver at the London Vet Show and had an extremely positive response.
"It is designed to build on the trust pet owners already have with their veterinary practices and adds convenient delivery to their door that is now familiar to most consumers. All branding and packaging has been designed to be eye-catching while communicating a high quality, professional service that reflects the quality of the veterinary practice.
"Furthermore, VetsDeliver will be the first service to offer 12-week flea and tick protection and provide the practice with the ability to add its wormer of choice. It’s easy for vets to sign-up clients and by offering Bravecto we reduce the number of deliveries and packaging required compared to monthly treatments."
Amanda added: "Vet practices remain an important source of reminders for owners to apply respective parasite treatment, however, it is mostly owners themselves (65%1) who try to remember the treatment.
"VetsDeliver builds on the advantage of the well-established bond between veterinary practices and owners to improve the reminding system. The service will ensure these reminders coincide with the delivery of the product so veterinary practices play an even bigger role in aligning the service to the personal needs of owners."
For further information contact your MSD Animal Health account manager or visit: www.msd-animal-health-hub.co.uk/vetsdeliver .
The stem cells were created as part of a study into feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which the RVC carried out in association with the Animal Health Trust (AHT), The Beryl Evetts and Robert Luff Animal Welfare Trust (BERLAWT), The Winn Feline Foundation and Boehringer Ingelheim.
The RVC says HCM affects about 15% of the feline population in the UK; translating to over 1 million cats. It is caused by genetic mutations which affect the heart muscle cells.
To date, there are no treatments proven to stop or reverse it, leading to a very poor prognosis for affected cats.
This is partly because a major issue with studying heart diseases at a cellular level is that heart muscle cells do not survive in a laboratory environment. When studying human heart cells, this has been overcome by turning ordinary skin cells into pluripotent stem cells (cells able to turn into any tissue in the body).
These are termed 'induced pluripotent stem cells', or iPSCs. It is then possible to generate heart muscle cells to study from these iPSCs.
The research, carried out by Dr Luke Dutton under the supervision of Professor David Connolly, Dr Jayesh Dudhia and Dr Debbie Guest, as part of his PhD at the RVC in collaboration with AHT, has now identified the conditions required to create iPSCs from domestic cat cells.
While creating iPSCs has been done before in wild cats, the RVC believes that Dr Dutton’s breakthrough in creating iPSCs from domestic cat cells is a world first. It sets the scene for further research into how to turn these iPSCs into heart cells and then, once successful, testing drug therapies that could improve outcomes for cats with HCM.
The researchers say that the translational benefits of this project are potentially very significant, as around 1 in 500 people in the UK have HCM, and the condition manifests in humans in the same way.
If the therapies that researchers test on feline heart cells turn out to be effective, this sets the stage for testing these treatments on humans.
Dr Dutton, author of the study, said: "This is an incredibly exciting project, which is only made possible by the generous funding of the BERLAWT, Boehringer Ingelheim and The Winn Feline Foundation.
"Not only is this study the first reported generation of iPSCs from domestic cats, but these cells can now be used in a novel disease model. This will allow us to study the disease processes present in these cats in ways that have not been possible with the ultimate goal of identifying new therapeutic agents that may slow or even stop the disease process. We would then hope to translate these agents into the feline clinic."
Dr Debbie Guest, Head of Stem Cell Research at the Animal Health Trust, said: "This is the first report on the successful generation of domestic cat iPSCs. These cells not only bring hope to cats suffering from HCM, but allow us to develop new tools to study conditions affecting other tissue types in the future."
The plan covers mortgage or rent payments of up to £2000 per month for up to a year if you are unable to work because of illness or injury.
In addition, policyholders, their partners and children under the age of 18 are given access to a 24/7 GP service, available via video or phone consultations.
VetYou says there no health or financial questionnaires involved, and whilst permanent conditions and those present within the last two years are not covered, Home Protection will start to cover pre-existing conditions when you have been symptom, medication and treatment free for two years.
There are 12 types of higher risk sports and hobbies Home Protector wont cover cover and Home Protector can’t cover semi-professional or professional sports.
Matthew Dobbs, one of the founders of VetYou (pictured), said: “As practising vets, we know the pain of trying to cover rent and mortgage payments when we are unable to work.
"But as busy professionals we often don’t find the time to get the cover we need.
"So we worked with Future Proof to bring this exclusive product to the profession."
https://vetyou.co.uk/home-mortgage/home-protector
250 mainly menopausal-aged veterinary surgeons and nurses took part in the survey.
Over 80% said the menopause had affected their health. Nearly half said the impact on their mental health had been moderate to severe. Overall, 76% said they were concerned about the impact of the menopause on their health, life and work.
You can read the full survey report here.
The most commonly reported physical symptoms, affecting over three quarters of respondents, were fatigue, irritability and difficultly sleeping. Hot flushes, night sweats and joint pain were also very common. Anxiety was the most common mental health impact, with some individuals experiencing clinical depression and, rarely, suicidal ideation.
Workplace measures said to be helpful included flexible working, help with heavy lifting and provision of fans or air conditioning. Diary management to allow breaks, and openness and understanding amongst colleagues were also valued.
Liz Barton, editor of Veterinary Woman said: “As a predominantly female workforce, we cannot ignore the profound impact the menopause can have both on individuals and veterinary teams. The effects last for an average of seven years and impact a majority of women mid-career. As a profession we have an opportunity to lead this conversation as it’s beginning to open up across the wider media."
Awareness of the impact of menopause was wide-ranging across age categories, but averaged 4.3 out of 10 for those 40 years old and under, and increased to 7.4 out of 10 for those aged 41 and over. Even with relatively high levels of awareness among respondents, 90% said they would like to know more about the impacts from either personal and/or business and human resource perspectives.
SPVS President, Anna Judson (pictured right), said: “Having experienced the effects of the menopause working as a practice owner, I wish I had known more about the impact and that I was not alone in how I was feeling. It’s time to break these taboos, open up the conversation and put in place measures to mitigate the impacts. In so doing, we will not only help individuals to continue to thrive in their careers, but also help practices to retain experienced staff at this challenging time of life."
A free access webinar discussing menopause impacts and how to mitigate is available free at: https://www.veterinarywoman.co.uk/2020/11/menopause-and-the-effect-on-veterinary-professionals-and-teams/
Alasdair qualified from Cambridge in 1990. After graduation, he joined Bristol Vet School, first as an intern and then as a resident. He then became a Lecturer and Senior Clinical Fellow in small animal surgery at Langford from 1997 to 2009. He was also the Programme Director of the veterinary nursing degree and led years 3-5 of the BVSc programme.
He then moved to private practice, becoming Head of Referral Surgery at Bath Vet Referrals, and then Group Veterinary Advisor and member of the Clinical Advisory Board when it was acquired by IVC, after which he moved to Vale Referrals.
He received his Fellowship for Contributions to Clinical Practice in 2017 and is an Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery.
Alasdair will mainly be helping to develop Brains & Drains, a new library of peer-reviewed clinical demonstrations published on YouTube for the benefit of veterinary professionals around the world. He’ll also be helping to steer the development of other content on VetNurse.co.uk and VetSurgeon.org
Publishing Editor Arlo Guthrie said: “Alasdair and I first collaborated nine years ago to make a film called: Total Ear Canal Ablation and Lateral Bulla Osteotomy. Who’d have that would be such a box office hit, with over 90,000 views on Facebook!
“Now we’re stepping up production, both by filming our own content and inviting all vets and nurses to film demonstrations themselves and submit them for peer review.”
Arlo added: “In recent years, there's been an explosion in the number of social media groups for the veterinary profession, primarily on Facebook and Instagram, which has led to a real fragmentation. It’s as yet unclear whether that'll always be the case. Certainly young people are already migrating elsewhere, both because it’s not very hip to be on the same platform as your parents, and also a growing awareness of some of the harms of Facebook on mental health."
“Either way, with so much fragmentation, it is clear we need to offer more by way of quality content on VetNurse.co.uk than we have in the past, and I’m really excited to be working alongside Alasdair to do just that, so that whatever the ups and downs of other social media, VetNurse and VetSurgeon remain reliable, transparent places for good quality information sharing.”
Written by members of BSAVA Scientific Committee, together with specialists in internal medicine and neurology, the document explains that there are limited studies showing beneficial effects of CBD, and those that there are need to be interpreted with caution as they involved small sample sizes and used unlicensed products which may have contained other components which could have influenced the results.
The document also explains that legally, CBD products must be prescribed by a veterinary surgeons and not used instead of a medication with proven efficacy.
Caroline Kisielewicz, BSAVA Scientific Committee member and one of the authors of the document said: “Information regarding the effects of cannabinoids on animals is predominantly at the stage of pre-clinical testing of individual substances in mice, rats and guinea pigs. There are limited clinical studies looking at the effects of CBD in dogs, and no reported studies in cats.
"There are many reports describing possible beneficial effects and therapeutic potential in humans, and subsequently pet owners may ask their vet about using cannabinoids to treat veterinary patients. This document aims to provide a broad overview of the available evidence base and legal position in the UK for veterinary team members."
BSAVA President, Ian Ramsey added: "The development of this information is in direct response to an increased interest in the use of CBD to treat cats and dogs. Furthermore, the guidance supports BSAVA’s mission to promote excellence in small animal practice through community, education and science."
The BSAVA position on CBD can be accessed here: https://www.bsavalibrary.com/content/chapter/10.22233/9781910443514.chap8#html_fulltext.
James says he is sticking his neck out after seeing a significant increase in cases where dogs with diabetes are referred too late to save their sight.
He said: “If we are given the chance to assess a dog with diabetes as soon as cataracts develop then it is usually pretty straightforward to restore vision with a specialist operation.
“Often, diabetic dogs are referred to us too late because vets unwittingly delay referral while they enhance control of the diabetes.
“Unfortunately, this can mean it can become too late to perform sight-saving surgery and the dog may even have to have their eyes removed on welfare grounds.
“When cataract surgery wasn’t commonplace and as successful, maybe 20 years ago, there was more of a justification to delay surgery. But that isn’t necessary now with advances in veterinary care.
“It’s why it’s so important to improve education about this issue and raise more awareness of what can be done to both vets and dog owners alike.”
On the carton and leaflet, it states:
"For the prevention and treatment and prevention of flea (Ctenocephalides felis) infestations on cats of less than 4 kg bodyweight."
However, it should state:
For the prevention and treatment and prevention of flea (Ctenocephalides felis) infestations on cats greater or equal to 4 kg bodyweight.
Only one batch, KP0F3U7, is affected. Any other batches of Johnson’s 4Fleas 80mg Spot-on Solution for Cats are not impacted and may continue to be distributed.
Johnson’s Veterinary Products Ltd is contacting wholesale dealers to examine inventory immediately and quarantine products subject to this recall.
For further information regarding the recall, contact Grant Exall, Quality Assurance/WQP, email: Grantexall@johnsons-vet.com, or Nick Franks, Sales Director, email Nickfranks@johnsons-vet.com, or Tel: 0121 378 1684.
Taking place on 26th November, the event will focus on putting the Cat Friendly Principles into action within the veterinary clinic, including how to work with cats in challenging situations, the role of appropriate handling techniques and the use of anxiolytics and sedation.
Speakers include Dr Sarah Heath (Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine), Dr Matt Gurney (Veterinary Specialist in Anaesthesia and Analgesia), Linda Ryan (Veterinary Technician Specialist in Oncology and Behaviour) and Kelly Eyre (RVN).
Head of ISFM Dr Nathalie Dowgray said: “This has been a really exciting programme to put together.
"Some cats can be challenging in the veterinary clinic even when the team has made every effort to be cat friendly. We wanted to recognise that and include in our panel discussion real-life scenarios to equip vets and nurses with the tools they need for when things don’t go according to plan.”
The Feline Fine London congress is open to all veterinary professionals, including nurses and receptionists.
https://icatcare.org/isfmcongress-2022-london
Lizzie Lockett, RCVS CEO, said: “It’s clear that there are a number of workforce issues affecting the professions, such as high vacancy rates that employers are struggling to fill and a resultant increase in pressure on the professions in terms of caseload and hours worked, together with an increase in the number of people choosing to leave the professions.
“While many of these issues are long-standing, and due to complex and multifactorial reasons, the scale of the problem has been exacerbated by three things: the UK’s exit from the EU and the impact this has had on overseas registrants; the ongoing impact of the pandemic in areas such as staff absence and burnout; and an increase in demand for veterinary services.
The reports were published in advance of the College's Workforce Summit, held at the end of November to discuss potential solutions to the problems.
They can be downloaded here: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/events/workforce-summit-2021/
A further report of the Workforce Summit is expected in due course, which the College says will include an action plan with commitments from a range of stakeholders.
The overview starts with the CMA noting how it has had significant dealings with many vets and nurses from different practices and acknowledging their dedication and commitment to owners and their animals.
Nevertheless, the CMA has identified various areas of concern about the state of the marketplace:
The CMA says it will publish three further papers in the spring, one sharing its analysis of treatment and pricing data from two large insurance companies, another in which it will lay out its proposed remedies to the concerns it has raised, and a final one analysing the profitability of veterinary businesses.
https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/veterinary-services-market-for-pets-review#working-papers
Data from the survey will be used as a comparison to previous years (2019 and 2020), to determine whether the changes in puppy buying in the UK seen during the COVID-19 pandemic have returned to their pre-pandemic baseline or persisted into 2021.
Dr Rowena Packer, Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at the RVC said: “The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in the way many of us bought our household goods, with online ordering and delivery a common feature of lockdown life.
"The pandemic also led to changes in the way the UK bought puppies during 2020, due to the many restrictions to travel and social contact during this period.
"Many of these so-called ‘Pandemic Puppies’ became much-cherished companions, helping households cope with lockdown life; however, there are concerns that some owners were duped into buying from unscrupulous breeders.
"We are interested in whether pandemic-related changes in puppy buying persisted into 2021, so we can best support owners of puppies bought during this period going forward."
For more information, visit: www.rvc.uk.com/Pandemic-Puppies-of-2021-research
The survey is at: www.rvc.uk.com/Puppy2021-survey
Dr Faye Didymus (pictured) and Dr Jackie Hargreaves, who are recipients of the RCVS Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant, are exploring how mental health and wellbeing is integrated into the learning paths of SVNs and developing evidence-based recommendations for how mental health education for veterinary nursing students could be enhanced.
To that end, Faye and Jackie are running a webinar to discuss their research findings to date and to offer an opportunity for attendees to contribute to the design and development of the second phase of their research.
Rapinder Newton, MMI Project Lead, said: “Our Sarah Brown Mental Health Research grant has helped to fund six projects looking into various aspects of veterinary mental wellbeing, but this is the first to look specifically into veterinary nurse mental health.
“This is of vital importance, as much of the current research is either targeted towards vets or the vet team as a whole, as opposed to being nurse specific.
"We must do more to ensure that the entire veterinary team feel supported in their work and have the tools to maintain good mental health.
"This kind of research is vital in making positive change for the future, so if you are a current SVN, RVN or help deliver veterinary nursing programmes, then please do get involved.”
The webinar will be taking place online via Zoom on Tuesday 23 April 2024, from 10.30 – 11.30am.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-deep-dive-into-mental-health-education-for-student-veterinary-nurses-tickets-861606587497
Last year, a cohort of 1,077 veterinary nurses responded to the request for their CPD records, which took place in June 2019 and which also included a random sample of 761 veterinary nurses sourced from across all UK postcode areas. The audit found that 854 (or 79%) respondents were compliant with the annual CPD requirement – a 7% increase on last year’s compliance rate and the highest compliance rate yet from a veterinary nursing CPD audit.
Amongst vets, the audit found that 820 (or 81%) of respondents met the annual requirement – a 13% increase from the 2018 audit. This followed a decline in compliance rates from 82% in 2014 to just 68% in 2018.
Dr. Linda Prescott-Clements, RCVS Director of Education (pictured right), said: "It is fantastic to see that this year’s results demonstrate a significant increase in CPD compliance rates after a number of years in decline for vets and a largely static rate for veterinary nurses and I hope that it is part of a long-term trend towards the professions recognising the value of keeping their clinical and non-clinical skills up-to-date.
"This year we have made a number of changes that should make CPD compliance even easier now, including a clearer and simpler annual CPD requirement of 35 hours for vets and 15 hours for vet nurses, and the 1CPD platform and app which can be signed into through the My Account area and provides the professions with the ability to record, plan and reflect on their CPD."
Further information about the changes to the College’s CPD policy and the 1CPD platform can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/cpd2020.
The 1CPD app can be downloaded through the Apple App Store, Google Play and via the RCVS website at https://onecpd.rcvs.org.uk/accounts/login/
A similar scheme will also be run for Australian colleagues wanting to spend time in the UK.
The programme will allow the company's vet nurses to enhance their role internationally and to explore other parts of the world whilst furthering their career.
The programme is open to nurses with over two year's experience, who want to work overseas and then return to their current practice afterwards.
Secondments are also available for staff in support office roles.
Staff will be able to return to their existing roles for up to 12 months, and thereafter a similar role will be made available to them in their region.
Graeme Cramb, Managing Director for CVS Australia, said: “Our vision is to be the veterinary company that most people want to work for and we believe this UK-Australia secondment scheme represents an attractive option for colleagues.
“As the first vet company to offer a UK-Australia secondment scheme, we hope that it enables our colleagues to learn from colleagues in a new territory, further their career and to lead to some exciting cross-pollination of ideas.”
When colleagues express an interest, they will be contacted by CVS recruitment team member to discuss potential opportunities that they can apply for.
They must meet the criteria required to be able to obtain a visa to work in Australia.
Successful applicants will be offered a relocation package and continue to be paid their salary in the UK.
They may also be eligible for the cost of living allowance, paid in Australia.
https://www.careerswithcvs.co.uk/intranet/vacancy/uk-to-australia-secondment-program-4472/18753/description/
Her display used a toy cat with a cuff around its leg to demonstrate how quick and easy it is to get a cat’s blood pressure checked and included cat case studies and feline hypertension facts and figures to really bring the reality of feline hypertension home to practice clients.
Sarah Caney BVSc PhD DSAM(Feline) MRCVS, RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine and one of the competition judges, said: “The Albavet Veterinary Hospital waiting room display was a great example of creatively highlighting the importance of feline hypertension, which affects approximately one in five cats nine years or over1.
"This fantastic educational display also showcased the ease of taking blood pressure which the ISFM advises should be checked at least once a year in cats aged seven years or over2.”
Lisa To said: “The team at Albavet and I are really grateful to Ceva for the doppler blood pressure monitor.
"We’ll be using it to keep up our high standard of clinical care provided for every cat that walks through our doors, ensuring we raise awareness with clients of the risks of hypertension."
"Go team Albavet!”
References
Matthew's address looked at the significance of 2021 as veterinary nursing’s Diamond Jubilee – representing 60 years since the first RCVS-approved Auxiliary Nursing Assistant course.
He spoke about how this was likely to be a year of firsts for the profession, including the awarding of the first Certificates in Advanced Veterinary Nursing, the recruitment of the first VN Practice Standards Scheme Assessors and the first time there would be 20,000 veterinary nurses on the RCVS Register.
He also spoke about the planned activities to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee including webinars, podcasts and the publication of an eBook about the history of the profession.
Matt said: “For my own first podcast I interviewed Jean Turner who – I don’t think she’ll mind me saying – has been a member of the profession for a good chunk of the last 60 years.
“She’s a real professional hero of mine and I had a fascinating conversation with her about what has changed, what hasn’t changed and what really needs to change!
“Speaking to Jean reminded me that we all stand on the shoulders of giants. Where we are as a profession is down to those who came before us and we owe it to them, and future generations of veterinary nurses, to make sure we are always progressing and improving.”
Matt said that with RCVS Council’s adoption of the proposals for legislative reform in June this year, the veterinary nursing profession had a bright future ahead of it, with protection of title and a bolstered role in areas such as anaesthesia being included in any future legislation.
“I still sometimes hear my veterinary nursing colleagues refer to themselves as ‘just a veterinary nurse’. Whenever I hear it said, I challenge it.
“With the Diamond Jubilee celebrations this year I think we will be making a very big challenge to that mindset, and it will remind all veterinary nurses that we are brilliant professionals, with a long and proud history and that we are a force for good in society.”
At his first Disciplinary Committee hearing in January 2018, the Committee directed that Dr Gerhard Schulze Allen’s name be removed from the Register after finding him guilty of serious professional misconduct in respect of four charges against him. These related to an incident of petty theft in California in the United States, and his subsequent dishonesty in not disclosing this to the College.
Following the Disciplinary Committee hearing, Dr Schulze Allen submitted an appeal to the Privy Council. In July 2019, the Privy Council partially upheld his appeal, determining that the RCVS had not proven beyond all reasonable doubt that Dr Schulze Allen’s infraction for petty theft was a conviction under Californian law and therefore Dr Schulze Allen had not made false representations to the College when he said he did not have any criminal convictions or a criminal record.
However, the Privy Council partially upheld the College’s charge that Dr Schulze Allen was dishonest and made false representations when he had, in a written application for restoration to the Register, represented that he did not have any adverse findings and that he should have declared his infraction for petty theft. The Privy Council also set aside the Disciplinary Committee’s original sanction and remitted the task of sanction back to the Disciplinary Committee.
As a result of the Privy Council’s decision, the Disciplinary Committee held a further hearing in relation to Dr Schulze Allen to decide the sanction in relation to the upheld charge against him.
The Committee noted that the aggravating factors were the fact that Dr Schulze Allen was dishonest to his regulator and in making a false declaration, demonstrated a wilful disregard for the regulatory role of the RCVS. In mitigation the Committee considered that there was no harm to animals, that it was a single and isolated incident in an otherwise unblemished career, and that he had accepted his wrongdoing, albeit at a late stage, and was developing some insight.
The Committee considered whether a reprimand or warning would be the most appropriate sanction but determined that this would not reflect the seriousness of the dishonesty in this case, nor maintain public confidence in the profession or uphold proper professional standards of conduct and behaviour.
Ian Green, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee concluded that the appropriate and proportionate sanction is suspension from the Register for a period of three months. A period of three months reflects the seriousness of the charge. Such a sanction sends a clear message to Dr Schulze Allen, the profession and the public that behaving dishonestly towards the regulator is a serious matter. The Committee considered that removal from the Register would be disproportionate given that this is a single incident and Dr Schulze Allen now accepts his wrongdoing."
Each site can accept up to 16 candidates at a time, with at least two intakes in April and September.
Linnaeus is now encouraging new recruits both from within the group and from surrounding practices outside the group to enroll for the next two-year training course in April.
All three centres will deliver onsite practical sessions in conjunction with virtual theory sessions, whilst the theory exams can be taken remotely online.
Students can use the facilities at each referral hospital for their practical RCVS Day One Skills training while completing an e-portfolio of evidence to demonstrate competency.
This complements the virtual theory training at CAW and the workplace experience gained in their practices.
Trish Scorer, Lead Pre-Registration Experience Manager at Linnaeus, said: “Students will be studying for a VetSkill Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing that, on completion, will enable them to register as a veterinary nurse with the RCVS and to use the post nominals RVN. This means students will be in the fantastic position of training alongside our highly-qualified vets and nursing teams within our state-of-the-art referral hospitals.”
www.linnaeusgroup.co.uk/careers/nursing.