Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 13th October 2013
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Kirstie Shield welcomed as new BVNA president
Incoming BVNA president Kirstie Shield gives her welcoming address
Last day of congress sees tearful farewell to Louisa Baker

Outgoing president of the BVNA, Louisa Baker, handed over the lanyard to junior vice-president Kirstie Shield today, during an emotional AGM.

Taking place at the Telford International Centre in Shropshire on the last day of BVNA's 40th congress, the meeting saw some tearful goodbyes, as well as the election of officers, council members and honorary members for 2013-14.

Senior vice-president of the association Clare Fraser gave an emotional farewell after ten years with the BVNA, during which she has served as president twice.

Speaking of the honour of working with the association for such a period, she said she was looking forward to attending next year's congress just as a delegate. Former president Louisa Baker will step into her shoes as senior vice-president.

During the AGM, changes were also proposed and seconded to the BVNA's "memorandum and articles". It was agreed that student members of the association will have the opportunity to nominate and vote for full members running for election.

As the presidency was handed over and incoming president Kirstie Shield gave her welcoming address, there was barely a dry eye among the council members.

Kirstie began by thanking her family and friends for their support and spoke of her admiration and gratitude towards the former presidents of the BVNA for making it what it is today. October, she says, has always been one of her favourite times of the year due to the BVNA Congress.

As veterinary nursing has developed, Kirstie says her belief in the profession has intensified and for her, the association ensures that "the voice of the veterinary nurse is heard throughout the wider veterinary profession."

During a highly emotional speech, Kirstie spoke of the honour of being a figurehead for the BVNA, pledging: "The opportunity to serve you, our members and the veterinary nursing profession, is not one that I take lightly."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."