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What can practices learn from John Lewis?
Image Tracy Killen
John Lewis HR and main board director Tracy Killen
Director Tracy Killen set to open VMPA/SPVS Congress

Delegates at this year's VMPA/SPVS Congress will learn how to "thrive, not just survive" in tough economic times, taking advice from John Lewis director Tracy Killen, who is set to open the event.

Retail giant, The John Lewis Group, enjoyed a record-breaking Christmas period, with sales reportedly topping £35 million on December 27 alone.

But how have they managed to overcome tightening purse-strings and pressures on customer loyalty? Practice managers can find out on January 31 at the VPMA/SPVS Congress in Newport.

Main board director Tracy Killen will offer her take on what veterinary practices can learn from John Lewis. Being wife to the owner of Highcroft Vet Group, Richard Killen, Tracy is no stranger to the veterinary industry.

During the Congress, Tracy will also join accountant Mark Beaney on remuneration and bonuses, as well as taking part in the Leading your Team lecture stream alongside Katherine Eitel, US training and development expert.

For the full programme or to book online, visit the website.

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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."