Jobs are at risk after IVC Evidensia confirmed it was consulting on changes to its regional management structures. Officials have stressed the plans will not impact front-line practices, but claim they will improve support for veterinary teams. They also said alternative roles for affected staff will be considered during the current process. ‘Refinements’ In a statement issued this afternoon (18 April), the company said: “Following the creation of our area management team structure in 2022, and as part of the process of continually reviewing the effectiveness of our support for practices, we a ..read more

The University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is launching a free, online animal welfare course aimed at vets, VNs, patient care assistants, receptionists and students of veterinary sciences or related disciplines.  “Animal welfare in the clinic” launches on 22 April 2024 and comprises more than 50 videos, assessments, resources and welfare checklists for use in practice. Available through Coursera, the course is equal to 12 hours of CPD. The course is described as a comprehensive guide to improving the clinical patient experience, with it providing advic ..read more

Biobest Laboratories has gained official accreditation to use robotic technology installed to increase its testing capacity and provide faster test results. The automated ELISA system installed at the company’s laboratory at The Edinburgh Technopole, near Penicuik, Midlothian, has been accredited for use by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service. The government-appointed body assesses and accredits organisations, providing certification, testing, inspections and calibration services. VetPartners, which owns Biobest, had invested in the automated system, which will optimise lab workflows, inc ..read more

A veterinary group that will host its first conference this summer has said it needs more “boots on the ground” to help achieve its objectives. The Progressive Veterinary Association (PVA) was launched in November 2022 with a pledge to challenge human activities, which it sees as harmful to animal welfare and conservation. The group is keen to work with others to reduce animal suffering, but has also made increasing its membership a major priority for this year. It said: “There is much to do, and the PVA needs ‘boots on the ground’ to achieve its ultimate aims, which are not only campaigning ..read more

Current and future veterinary nurses are being given the chance to share their hopes for the profession’s progression over the next decade in a new VN Futures initiative. Both RVNs and SVNs have been invited to take part in any of three Vet Nursing Vision workshops, which are due to take place between now and mid-July. Officials say the events will enable participants to share their hopes for where the profession could be by 2035, as well as their thoughts on what needs to be done to achieve those aims. Registration is now open for the first workshop, which will take place at the College of Ag ..read more

Millpledge Veterinary, a provider of veterinary pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and consumables, has announced the launch of ocular lubricant, Oculeze. The latest addition to the Millpledge portfolio of products is suitable for animals, including – but not limited to – dogs, cats, horses and rabbits and can be used in the management of conditions where eye health is supported by providing additional moisture or lubrication. Oculeze is phosphate-free, pH neutral and features a combination of natural active ingredients: glycerine (0.8%), aloe vera, chamomile and propolis extract. Propolis extrac ..read more

In this VN Times Podcast, editor Lacey Pitcher RVN discusses careers with Kirsty Cavill. Kirsty has a passion for veterinary nursing that has allowed her to develop and utilise her skills in a variety of ways to not only help improve animal welfare, but also provide accessible care in a variety of ways. Kirsty, an award-winning vet nurse, shares her advice and insight to help other consider how they can support and nurture the human-animal bond. NOTE: Due to technical issues, we experienced audio issues during this podcast, which we can only apologise for. KIRSTY CAVILL  RVN Kirsty quali ..read more

A vet group has announced winners of its first prizes for excellence in clinical research. VetPartners launched the awards to recognise innovation, creativity, and excellence in clinical research carried out by staff across its practices and other health care businesses. Four awards for abstracts or papers were made, plus two awards for new, early-stage projects. Winners The prize winners were: Best first abstract (awarded jointly) Margot Hunter, from Dunedin Vets, for her abstract, “Canine ovariohysterectomy – a retrospective study” and Andreia Mota, from Gortlands Veterinary Clinic, for her ..read more

A week-long poultry health course is back after a five-year break. The course – designed and taught by specialists at The Pirbright Institute, the University of Surrey and UK industry experts – is aimed at vets, technical staff and poultry managers. Featuring hands-on practicals, demonstrations and lectures, the curriculum will cover key virological, bacteriological and parasitological poultry diseases. Specialists will lead discussions on enrichment, hatchery practice and field investigations, with practical sessions taking place at the university. Basic understanding Ian Brown, who leads the ..read more

As a locum, there’s an element of impostor syndrome as you walk into a new practice. This practice is paying a higher rate for your services, you had better perform and make your rate worth it. You want them to want you back. You want the practice to say: “They’re expensive, but they’re worth it.” Right? My impostor syndrome has gone beyond that; I put myself through extra certificates and qualifications to try and validate myself and make my hourly rate seem worth it. However, now I have these extra letters after my name, I need to live up to the expensive standard the practice is expecting ..read more