The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has reprimanded a veterinary surgeon for submitting a certificate of Clinical Inspection for Veterinary Inspectors ("TB52") for tuberculin tests he had undertaken on cattle, despite knowing that he had not fully complied with the standard operating procedures (SOP) for these tests.
At the outset of the three-day hearing, John Wilson admitted that, when acting as an Official Veterinarian (OV) he had not carried out tuberculin tests on cattle at a Wiltshire farm on 19 May 2011 strictly in accordance with the SOP required by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA), an executive agency of Defra.
The admitted shortcomings were that on 19 May, the second day of testing, Mr Wilson had failed to confirm the identity of all the animals, failed to inspect the animals digitally (ie using his hands) and had not measured the fold of skin at the injection site of all the animals. The College argued that this was contrary to the directions of the AHVLA and, in subsequently signing the TB52 certificate, he was either dishonest or should have known that the certification was incorrect. Mr Wilson admitted that he ought to have known the certification was incorrect but denied dishonesty, because he believed that he had conducted the test in a satisfactory manner and had correctly identified all the reactors in the herd.
Mr Wilson was a veterinary surgeon of over 40 years experience and unblemished record, and the Committee found his account of events to be accurate and honest. He said the farm involved was unprepared and test arrangements were chaotic, with poor handling facilities, and he would have been concerned for the safety of the animals and their handlers if he had complied fully with the SOP. He had advised the farmer to delay the test but his advice was rejected.
The Committee accepted that the testing had been carried out under exceptional and difficult circumstances. It noted that Mr Wilson had identified a reactor and taken appropriate actions, knowing that the outcome would be the quarantining of the whole herd. He had made no financial or other gain, other than the nominal fee charged for the work. Although failing to comply with the SOP fell short of what was expected of a veterinary surgeon, because of these circumstances, and as he had acted in what he considered to be the best interests of the animals and personnel, these actions did not amount to serious professional misconduct.
The Committee found that, even allowing for these difficulties and concerns, in signing the TB52 certificate a few days later, without any qualification, Mr Wilson ought to have known that it was incorrect, and his actions fell far short of the standards expected of the veterinary profession. They did not however find that he had been dishonest.
The Committee stressed the importance attached to accurate and reliable certification, in maintaining the confidence of the public and the profession, and in ensuring animal welfare.
Professor Lees, chairing and speaking on behalf of the committee said: "The Committee is aware, as confirmed by AHVLA, that this is a single, isolated event and the first offence in some 40 years of the Respondent working as a LVI [local veterinary inspector] or OV. After considering all the mitigating factors.and, given the exceptional circumstances of this specific case, the decision of the Committee is to reprimand Mr Wilson."
I'm delighted to welcome Celia Marr from Rossdales and Edd Knowles from Bell Equine, who have kindly agreed to be our contributing experts. They'll drop in from time to time to add anything helpful they can to the forum discussions.
As elsewhere on VetSurgeon.org, reading content in the new groups or participating in discussions can count towards a VetSurgeon.org CPD certificate. Just press 'Claim CPD' at the top of the page, then collect the record and certificate from your profile.
All members of the site with an interest in equine medicine are now invited to press the join button on the left hand side of the group home page (when viewed on tablet or bigger). You may also wish to select the option to receive a daily or weekly digest of new content by email, which you can cancel at any time.
Equine is the third special interest group launched on VetSurgeon.org. The other two are Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Dentistry.
You can take part in the survey and share your views on the issues affecting the health and welfare of UK pets at www.yougov.co.uk/pdsa.
Vicki Betton, PDSA Policy and Campaigns Manager, said: "For the last nine years, the PAW Report has provided valuable insight into the reality of pet wellbeing in the UK.
"We’re excited to be celebrating the ten-year anniversary of the PAW Report in 2020, marking a decade of measuring key insights into the welfare of our nation’s pets. The report helps us deliver a robust evidence-base for our education programmes, campaigns and collaborative work, and enables us to track the impact of initiatives on the pet wellbeing issues which are of most concern to the veterinary profession. It also provides an excellent opportunity for everyone to voice their opinions and have their say.
"In 2019, our findings revealed a record decline in the number of pets receiving primary vaccinations when young, which may mean that millions of companion animals are left unprotected and exposed to potentially fatal diseases.
"In response to these troubling findings, we ran a vaccination campaign across our Pet Hospitals and social media channels which significantly improved uptake of vaccinations. Our key trends and insights will continue to inform our vital campaigns, to improve the health of pets across the country."
The PDSA says that whilst it has enjoyed some success with collaborative education campaigns, such as the annual Rabbit Awareness Week, there are still many issues which need to be addressed, and this survey provides an opportunity to feedback on these from the frontline of veterinary practice.
Vicki added: "It takes less than 15 minutes, so please help us maintain an accurate picture of the biggest welfare issues facing pets in the UK today."
Photo: PDSA Senior Vet Rachel Smith with patient Ruffin
To nominate someone for inclusion in the showcase, visit: https://www.beva.org.uk/60-Faces
BEVA President Lucy Grieve said: "We are proud of BEVA’s heritage and want to recognise our 60th birthday by celebrating some of those who have made a significant difference to the equine veterinary community. We want you to help us identify the 60 individuals who you believe have truly inspired, influenced and progressed the equine veterinary profession for the better.”
Each of the nominated 60 faces will be highlighted on the website and on BEVA’s social media channels. Profile details will include career paths, workplaces and personal contributions to the equine veterinary profession.
Lucy added: "We have already started the list with Colonel John Hickman, Sue Dyson and Peter Rossdale. But there are hundreds of exceptional, deserving individuals who have made a huge difference to the equine veterinary profession and are worthy of our 60 Faces roll call."
The deadline for nominations is Friday 16th April 2021. All nominations are anonymous.
'Managing Veterinary Medicines' teaches safe and responsible use of veterinary medicines and medicine regulations.
RCVS Knowledge says it will also show you how to put systems in place that will reduce errors, improve patient outcomes and improve practice systems.
It's worth six hours of CPD.
The course has been produced in collaboration between RCVS Knowledge and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), and includes a range of webinars, podcasts and articles.
Executive Director at RCVS Knowledge, Chris Gush said: “In England alone, more than 1,700 people die yearly because of medication errors.
"While we don't know the true figures in veterinary medicine, we do know that 30% of errors reported to the VDS's VetSafe system are due to medication errors.
“That's why we think it's vital to have good robust systems in place in the practice dispensary and to use QI tools like guidelines, protocols, and checklists.
CEO of the VMD, Abi Seager said: “Managing Veterinary Medicines will help teams comply with legislation as well as keep patients, team members and clients safe when prescribing and dispensing medicine.”
The course will also prepare practices for a VMD inspection or an RCVS Practice Standards Scheme assessment.
https://learn.rcvsknowledge.org
Jinx, a 9 month old black Labrador, has become the first patient at Peterborough's recently-opened NuVet practice to undergo pioneering 'single port' keyhole surgery for a retained testicle
The operation was performed by Marwan Tarazi, owner of the NuVet practice, using Biovision SurgAssist laproscopic equipment.
Marwan said: "When we opened the NuVet practice in May, we wanted to offer our clients the option for less invasive surgical techniques wherever possible. Jinx's condition made him a good candidate for keyhole surgery, and the 'single port' approach we use reduces the risk of post-operative infection and speeds up recovery time. His owner nursed another dog through serious complications following more traditional cryptorchid surgery twenty years ago, so she was very keen to try a less invasive approach. This time the procedure went without a hitch and Jinx was very quickly back to his old self, helped by plenty of love and attention from all our staff".
Jinx's owner is delighted with the results. She said: "I had heard that NuVet were doing procedures through keyhole surgery and so I took Jinx along to the practice in Bretton. All the staff were very welcoming and helpful, and the vet explained the procedure thoroughly beforehand, showing me both the theatre and the equipment he would use, which helped to reassure me. When I went to pick Jinx up after the surgery, he came out wagging his tail, and two days later he was back to his normal self - running around and jumping over impossibly high fences!
"20 years ago I had a German Shepherd with the same condition. Then the vet had to open him up with a large incision, and it was very stressful and uncomfortable for the dog. The recovery time for him was 10-14 days, compared to Jinx's of around 2 days. The difference was amazing."
Marwan is one of a very small number of vets in the UK to use the 'single port' technique. He has invested tens of thousands of pounds in training and equipment to allow the NuVet practice to offer this specialised service to the pets of Peterborough and beyond.
If you want to know more about this procedure and the equipment being used, click here to talk to Marwan!
See also: www.nuvet.co.uk
CPD Solutions has launched the Webinar Club offering twelve interactive online lectures in key small animal topics each year.
According to the company, the Webinar Club will deliver concise, informative presentations in essential areas for first opinion practice, from specialist tutors in small animal medicine, surgery and imaging. Webinar attendees will have the chance to ask questions in the general discussion at the end of each session.
CPD Certificates will be provided by CPD Solutions for all webinar attendees, and recorded webinars will be available on the Webinar Club website at http://www.veterinarywebinars.com/ for members to watch at any time.
The first webinar on March 22nd is 'How to Manage Diaphragmatic Hernias' by leading soft tissue surgeon Jonathan Bray of Massey University. This is followed by 'Headaches and Pains in the Neck' by Neurology Specialist Simon Platt of the University of Georgia, and 'Decision Making in Oncology' by David Argyle of Edinburgh University.
You can watch a free demonstration webinar by joining Webinar Club as a Silver member at http://www.veterinarywebinars.com/ .
Hosted by Nick Steele, National Consulting Manager at Zoetis and Rachael Whittle, a business coach specialist, the course will present the best techniques to analyse mixed personalities that cause problematic situations, allowing staff to deal with difficulties that may occur on a daily basis. Nick will use his knowledge from working at the world’s largest global animal health company, while Rachael will use her experience in business training and coaching to help anyone that works with people on a daily basis manage these daily challenges, using common examples from their own background.
For the chance to win a free place at this event, send an email with your name, the name of your veterinary practice and the reason attending this course will help grow your practice’s business to royalcaninvet.gbr@royalcanin.com.
Royal Canin will select three applicants at random, and will inform the winners via email, by Thursday 30 June.
Places on the course can also be booked by calling 01453 872731 or by visiting www.spvs-vpma-events.co.uk. Workshops cost £265 plus VAT for non-members and £190 plus VAT for VPMA and SPVS members (group/ bulk booking discounts are also available). Cost includes CPD certificates, lunch and refreshments.
Vetlife is independent of all other veterinary organisations and is managed by a Board of 11 elected Trustees, all of whom are veterinary surgeons.
The charity employs a small number of staff, so trustees are often asked to undertake operational as well as strategic work and the role demands a substantial time commitment, including attendance at four board meetings in London each year. Trustees also act as ambassadors for Vetlife and to represent the charity within the UK Veterinary community.
Danny Chambers MRCVS is a trustee. He said: "Given the unique challenges facing veterinary professionals it is vital that the mental health support is delivered by people who understand the specific issues facing those working within the veterinary industry.
"This is why Vetlife is so important. We are a mental health charity run by the veterinary community, for the veterinary community. Being a trustee of this charity is a very hands-on role, where you get to influence all aspects of the charity’s work. If you want to help support your friends and colleagues, this is a great and fulfilling way to give back to the profession."
Vetlife President Geoff Little said: "Being a Vetlife trustee allows you to work with other members of a team dedicated to the welfare of others in the veterinary community."
The charity is currently seeking to co-opt a twelfth trustee to sit on the board until the next AGM in September 2020. Their appointment for the following three years would then need to be ratified by the membership. Any veterinary surgeon wishing to stand who is not an existing Vetlife member will be required to become one before applying. If you do not know any current members to propose you, contact the Vetlife office for assistance.
Submissions must be received by 20th January 2020. Interviews will be held in London on 3rd February 2020.
Further information, including an application form is available on the Vetlife website: vetlife.org.uk/support-us/volunteer/ or via the Vetlife office, 020 7908 6382 or info@vetlife.org.uk.
BCF has announced the launch of the wireless Cuattro Slate 4 equine DR system.
BCF says the new system is available with an Automatic Exposure Detection (AED) panel, which means the plate automatically recognises the radiation from the generator, with no need for a sync cable.
Gavin Mitchell from BCF said: "This system now makes the connection from any generator to the plate and from plate to tablet now wireless. This is the new revolution for equine DR. Our rugged tablet design makes it easy to show your client your images. All you need to carry with you is the plate, tablet and generator. So much lighter to transport than previous DR systems and now also easier to move around the horse."
Sarah O'Grady from BCF added: "The powerful Cuattro software is so intuitive to use, allowing you to easily customise how your image looks. A simple three step process to take an image and just one button press to back-up images to PACS or the Cloud, makes the Slate so easy to use. If you are considering upgrading to DR or replacing your old DR system, then make sure you try out the new Slate 4."
For more information, visit www.bcftechnology.com or ask your local Account Manager for a free trial.
Founder Jade Statt said: "As StreetVet grows, we are being contacted to help clients outwith our current active StreetVet locations, of which there are now 13. For this reason and to help us continue to expand, we would like to put out a call to the profession to ask any practices that are happy to work with us to get in touch and help us set up a StreetVet Directory of Supporting Practices."
If you'd like to know more about partnering with StreetVet, email: StreetVet.practices@gmail.com
You'll be sent detailed information about the options for working with StreetVet and offered a fundraising pack. If you go ahead, you'll also have your practice logo added to a directory on the StreetVet website.
The information has been made available amid concerns from behaviourists and animal welfare organisations that there may be a rise in behavioural issues as lifestyle restrictions are lifted.
The Q&A explains what some of the behavioural concerns are and how they can be prevented and managed. Topics include separation-related issues, animals becoming anxious as the world around them becomes busier and noisier, and puppies lacking appropriate skills when greeting animals (including dogs and people) from other households.
The Q&A can be downloaded here.
Dr Hannah Donovan, vet, clinical animal behaviourist and Social Media Officer at the BVBA said: “We hope that this information will help vets to support their clients and their pets when faced with potential challenges as we transition out of lockdown.”
Professor Ian Ramsey, President of the BSAVA added: “This guidance has been developed in collaboration with the BVBA with the intention of supporting vets in practice in an ever-changing environment. It sits alongside other practical BSAVA resources vets can share with pet owners, such as Vaccination Guidance and Neutering Guidance, and follows the BSAVA’s core ethos – ‘By the profession for the profession.”
The BSAVA has also created a collection of resources for veterinary professionals relating to the prevention, management and treatment of behavioural issues in cats of dogs, which is freely available in the BSAVA Library until the end of July.
The collection includes chapters from the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine; for those wishing to buy the full manual, there is a £10 discount on both the print and online editions throughout July (using code BEHAV10 on checkout).
Further information for vets can be found in the BSAVA’s COVID-19 resources here.
Veterinary surgeons who want to pay in full must do so before before 1st June 2021. For those UK-practising vets who want to pay the fee in three instalments, the first payment should be received before 1st June, the second payment before 1st October and the final payment before the end of the year.
Any vets who do not pay either the fee in full or the first instalment before 1st June will be removed from the Register. If they want to be restored, they'll need to pay an additional restoration fee as well as the registration fee.
Professor Susan Dawson, RCVS Treasurer, said: “Due to the ongoing disruption to the profession because of the lockdown, we are glad to say that RCVS Council has again approved the ability for members of the profession to pay their fee in instalments and therefore spread the cost during this already difficult year.
"We would like to remind members of the profession that the option to pay in instalments is only available to UK-practising veterinary surgeons. For any UK-practising veterinary surgeons who have a Direct Debit set up but who wish to pay by instalments, please make sure to cancel your Direct Debit as soon as possible."
Payments can be made via the My Account area of the RCVS website (www.rcvs.org.uk/myaccount) where you will also need to confirm that you meet the annual continuing professional development (CPD) requirement and declare any convictions, cautions and/or adverse findings.
Any questions, contact the Registration Department: registration@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0707.
For advice about making payments or submitting a remittance form, contact the Finance Department on finance@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0723.
Further details about paying in instalments can also be found in a series of FAQs at: www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/advice-and-guidance/coronavirus-covid-19/retention-fee-faqs/
BSAVA Congress, which is open to the whole practice, from reception to the clinical team, will offer free practical drop-in sessions, day-in-the-life dramas, and a bigger wellbeing zone.
There'll be over 120 hours of CPD covering a range of topics such as oncology, veterinary leadership, the RVN’s role, and charity veterinary care.
Paul Higgs, Chair of the Congress Committee, said: “I cannot wait for BSAVA 2023!
"After the successful transformation of BSAVA in our move to Manchester we have been working our socks off to go one better!
"Filled with brilliant speakers, our now trade-mark combination of short, paired lectures with stimulating and inspiring panel discussions, is back in strength.”
Early-bird tickets for BSAVA Congress 2023 are on sale now and BSAVA has brought back one-day only tickets, so if you can’t attend all three days, you have the option to visit on a day that suits you.
https://www.bsavaevents.com/bsavacongress2023/en/page/home
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association is inviting its members to submit their views on DEFRA's recently revised and published draft Rabies Control Strategy.
The BSAVA says that while the general control options for dealing with a suspected or confirmed case of classical rabies are determined by law there are a number of issues raised in this document on which its members may wish to comment.
Details are in the Consultations area under the Advice link here at bsava.com.
Please return responses to s.everitt@bsava.com by Friday 9th December 2011 to allow time to collate the comments and produce a response.
Guidelines on the examination of rams for breeding have now been officially updated, thanks to the pooled expertise of delegates at a recent Sheep Fertility Workshop, sponsored by Ceva Animal Health, the Sheep Veterinary Society and EBLEX-AHDB.The previous Sheep Veterinary Society guidelines on the examination of rams for breeding were drawn up in 2007. However, the society says that to date, there has been considerable variation in the practice of ram fertility testing amongst sheep vets across the country.
The Sheep Fertility Workshop, which was held in Edinburgh in June 1014, brought together veterinary experts and scientists to discuss the provision of a comprehensive, evidence-based, best practice protocol, with clear recommendations for practitioners on the assessment of rams.Dr Fiona Lovatt, senior vice president of the Sheep Veterinary Society and director of Flock Health Ltd, who coordinated the workshop, said: "The outcome of some active debating was the recognition that various elements of the guidelines needed to be updated in line with currently recognised best practice. One thing that is really essential is that the practising vet is clear as to the reason for the ram PBE and carefully considers how to communicate the findings and their limitations to the ram's owner."
The updated guidelines cover three levels of ram pre-breeding examinations (PBE):
Carol Atkinson, Ceva's reprodAction range marketing manager, said: "We are proud to have supported the workshop, the outcome of which has been some valuable modifications to the guidelines. We now have a robust, practical benchmarking system in place to help ensure consistency of ram fertility and flock health and development."
The workshop was funded by the Sheep Veterinary Society, Ceva Animal Health and EBLEX-AHDB, with contributions in kind from Innovis, Zoetis and Novartis Animal Health.
The guidelines are available to all members of the Sheep Veterinary Society and can be downloaded from www.sheepvetsoc.org.uk, together with two further forms that are available following appropriate training: SVS Ram PBE data collection and SVS Ram certificate. The Sheep Veterinary Society will be holding a series of CPD days for practitioners in advance of next year's breeding season. Further details will be posted on the website shortly.
The veterinary recruitment company Gardner Llewelyn has announced that it is to hold Thank A Vet Nurse Day on 28th May 2015.
As the name suggests the company is urging everyone to join them and make a point of thanking a veterinary nurse on the day for all their dedication and hard work.
In the run up, the company is also asking everyone to think about nominating a veterinary nurse who has gone the extra mile for an award. Two winners will each be given an iPad mini.
You can nominate a nurse here: http://www.glvets.com/competition-entry.asp
The object of the exercise is simply to find out whether a significant number of veterinary professionals feel that they have been bullied, and look at the impact it has had on them.
If a significant number of people say they have, the hope is that the survey will trigger constructive discussion on the subject, both amongst key opinion leaders in the profession and in practice.
One of the biggest challenges in measuring the incidence of bullying in practice is the highly subjective definition of the word. For this reason, the survey asks whether you've been on the receiving end of very specific types of behaviour, ones which most people would agree are at best unconducive to a happy and effective working environment, and at worst, outright bullying.
VetSurgeon.org Editor Arlo Guthrie said: "Early responses to the survey have already shown, if we didn't know it already, that bullying is going on, and how bullies can make life utter hell at work. We just don't yet know the scale of the problem.
"Either way, there are two ways I think this survey could make a difference. Firstly, by discussing the subject openly, so it creates an environment in which bullying behaviour is less likely to happen. Secondly, I suspect that a significant amount of bullying may happen as a consequence of poor communication. For example, if one member of the team thinks another is underperforming but is uncomfortable having a candid but constructive discussion. If there is no other process in place to resolve the issue, they may resort to other types of behaviour which can have a profoundly negative effect on their colleague."
To take part in the survey, please visit: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3783698/Behaviour-In-Practice
The course offers veterinary surgeons and students six hours of CPD covering the five stages of EBVM and an overview of its evolution.
Users can progress through the six modules in order, or dip in and out of individual sections to deepen their knowledge in particular areas. The course includes a number of practical examples and quizzes, and there's a certificate of completion at the end.
The course can also be used as a reference tool for specific aspects of EBVM, such as how to search the literature effectively.
RCVS Knowledge says the new release of EBVM Learning has been well received by veterinary surgeons and nurses who helped test the course. Lucie Goodwin MRCVS said, simply: “This course is excellent.” Chris Gush, Executive Director of RCVS Knowledge (pictured right), said: “This fresh iteration of our EBVM Learning course is the culmination of a huge amount of committed work from an international network of leaders in EBVM, and we are proud to launch it on our new, accessible platform RCVS Knowledge Learn. The course constitutes an important way in which the charity supports all veterinary practitioners to advance the quality of care they provide through evidence-based veterinary medicine, regardless of their role, location or background.”
EBVM Learning can be accessed for free at http://learn.rcvsknowledge.org/ebvm-learning
The event offers over 80 hours of CPD across seven streams – with everything from hypotension and sepsis to breaking bad news to clients – as well as world-renowned speakers and networking opportunities.
Søren Boysen from the University of Calgary in Canada and Sophie Adamantos from Paragon Referrals in Wakefield, are among several high-profile speakers at this year’s Congress.
Chief Executive for GB Snowsport, Victoria Gosling OBE, will open Congress as keynote speaker where she’ll focus on perseverance, resilience and teamwork.
Also speaking are Prof. John Williams, Richard Casey, executive director at the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and VDS trainer Elly Russell.
Arlene Connor, an RVN and head of clinical operations at Vets Now and IVC Evidensia has planned the programme alongside national ECC lead Dan Lewis (pictured right).
She said: “We’re so excited to be returning to the Royal Armouries for our 19th Vets Now ECC Congress – around a theme which celebrates us all being together again.
"The past two years have been a challenge for all of us in the veterinary professions and we hope to mitigate that with a return to face-to-face learning and networking, as well as the chance to have some fun.
"Events like this can be hugely inspirational — for the organisers as well as the attendees — and we truly can’t wait to welcome everyone through the doors like old times.”
Dan added: “There’s a brilliant line-up of live speakers, workshops, a packed exhibition hall and more opportunities than ever for delegates to meet old friends and make new ones, as well as to learn from some of the world’s leading veterinary experts discussing emergency and critical care.
“Our programme again this year has been carefully tailored to provide an inclusive learning experience for vets and vet nurses no matter what stage they’re at in their career, from students through to specialists.
Tickets range in price from £45 + VAT for exhibition-only tickets, up to £470 + VAT for a vet to attend for 2 days plus the Gala dinner.
To book your ticket, go to www.vets-now.com/congress2022
New statistics from the Voice of the Veterinary Profession Spring 2022 survey showed that while veterinary work is often seen as a vocation, 77% of vets list pay among their top five priorities when choosing a job.
Other deciding factors include geographical location (74%), area of practice (62%), low staff turnover (45%) and structured career progression (28%).
However only 42% of vets who responded to the survey considered their pay and benefits to be either ‘good’, ‘very good’, or ‘excellent’.
BVA President Malcolm Morley, said: “Fair, transparent and equal pay is one of the keystones of good veterinary workplaces.
"Whether you’re an employee, a manager or an employer, it’s vital that everyone feels confident that their workplace approaches pay in a clear and consistent way.
"This isn’t about paying everyone more; it’s about using objective criteria and transparent pay scales to ensure the whole team understands how decisions about reward and recognition are made and what they can do to access higher pay.”
The new resource, created for BVA members as part of its Good Veterinary Workplaces campaign, includes information for veterinary employers on the benefits a clear pay structure can bring for the whole team.
It demonstrates the positive impact transparency around reward and recognition can have on employee fulfilment and retention, and outlines the legal requirements of employers to ensure that pay is equitable.
It also offers tips for employees and managers for approaching conversations about pay and emphasises the importance of considering ‘total reward’ during these conversations.
Total reward is the entire sum of a job’s offering including, but not limited to, salary, commission structure, benefits package, CPD, work/life balance, promotion opportunities, travel expenses, accommodation, and so on.
Malcolm added: “We know that pay can be a fraught, and even somewhat taboo, subject but it is one that we all have a responsibility to tackle if we want to ensure that veterinary professionals are fairly rewarded for their work.
"We hope that this new guide will support all our members and equip them with the knowledge required to ensure they can confidently navigate conversations about pay.”
https://www.bva.co.uk/talking-pay
Andy Trevan, a veterinary surgeon at the Gayton Veterinary Group in Redhill, has won the VetSurgeon.org prize draw to win an Apple iPad.
The draw was held to raise awareness in the profession of the growing community on VetSurgeon.org, and all UK-based veterinary surgeons that joined the site before 1st November 2010 were entered.
VetSurgeon.org welcomed nearly 600 new members to the site whilst the draw was open, bringing the site to just shy of 6000 members.
Congratulations to Andy - the shiny new toy will be winging its way over in the next few days.
According to a survey of 2,000 dog owners by Burgess Supadog Sensitive, 18% of women say they speak to their dog more than their partner or husband.
Not only that, but it seems the older you are, the more likely you are to strike up a conversation with the dog: 21 per cent of respondents aged 45-54 said they talked to their dog more than their partner as opposed to 10 per cent of 18-24 year olds.
Other findings from the survey included:
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has announced that it has received approval for the intramuscular (IM) route of administration of Nuflor Minidose 450 mg/ml, a florfenicol-containing broad-spectrum antibiotic for the management of bovine respiratory disease (BRD).
Nuflor Minidose was approved initially in 2008 for subcutaneous (SC) use only and the now approved IM administration route is a line extension. According to Intervet/Schering Plough, IM administration (20 mg/kg administered twice, 48h apart) offers additional flexibility for the veterinary surgeon when treating cattle for BRD.
The company adds that Nuflor Minidose is the florfenicol injectable formulation which offers the lowest injection volume, which in particular is practical when treating heavier animals (thereby avoiding large injection volumes). The withdrawal period after IM administration of NUFLOR Minidose is only 37 days and is considerably shorter as compared to 64 days after SC use (40 mg/kg body weight injected once).
Francis Adriaens, Global Marketing Director, Global Ruminants Business Unit at Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health said: "Our customers requested the IM claim when Nuflor Minidose was first introduced and we are delighted to be able to recommend this route of administration hence forth."
Nuflor Minidose is indicated for preventive and therapeutic treatment of BRD in cattle caused by Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multicoda and Histophilus somni susceptible to florfenicol. The presence of the disease in the herd should be confirmed before administering preventive treatment.
Pulborough-based Arun Veterinary Group has been awarded the title of Best UK Vets, having achieved the largest number of positive online reviews on www.vethelpdirect.com.
The awards are based on the number of positive reviews (4 stars and above) left by owners on the site over the course of the year, with owners asked to review the practice on five key areas: respect for my animal, professionalism, friendliness, cleanliness and value for money.
Comments attached to the 182 reviews for Arun included: "Nothing is too much trouble", "Fabulous vets" and "More like good friends."
Vet Help Direct said: "A good online reputation is so valuable to both local people looking for a service and to business owners. That's why online vet reviews are at the heart of our vet directories. Vet Help Direct is determined to provide a fair reflection of the vet practices in their online directories; all reviews are subject to rigorous tests of authenticity, all are checked for duplicate IP addresses, email addresses and some reviewers are asked to provide evidence that they are recent clients of the practice."
In second place was St Georges Veterinary Group, Wolverhampton, which is now up to 132 reviews and in third place was Goddard Veterinary Group, Gidea Park in London, with 122 reviews.