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CQ holds its first graduation ceremony
bob champion
Bob Champion MBE gave an inspirational speech about winning the 1981 Grand National and his fight against testicular cancer.
Bob Champion MBE presents scrolls to DipVN graduates

Awarding body Central Qualifications (CQ) hosted its first graduation ceremony for the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing (DipVN), welcoming Bob Champion MBE as guest of honour.

For the first time, graduates will be able to use the post-nominals DipVN in recognition of their achievements. CQ is also the first independent awarding body to offer a veterinary nursing qualification.

The landmark event was held at the historic Central Hall in Westminster. Guests were afforded spectacular views of Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Veterinary nurses at the event represented more than 250 years of combined service.
Now a well-known film location, the venue hosted the inaugural meeting of the United Nations in 1946. It was also the meeting place of the Suffragettes in 1914 as they campaigned for votes for women.

New graduates were welcomed to the list of qualified veterinary nurses alongside their family, friends, the BVNA vice-president, CQ, Abbeydale Vetlink, the Central College of Animal Studies and Bridgwater College.

graduates
For the first time, graduates will be able to use the post-nominals DipVN.
Bob Champion, winner of the 1981 Grand National, gave an inspirational speech on his determination to succeed and his battle against testicular cancer.

Guests were given an insight into his training and perseverance, including amusing anecdotes about his upbringing and the knocks and bruises he has experienced during his life. Bob also gave everyone an insight into horse racing, the making of the film Champions about his Grand National win and his work setting up the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

Bob and CQ director Jacqui Garrett presented graduates with the new CQ DipVN badge and a commemorative scroll. Martin Barrow, the awarding body's chair of governors, praised the sterling work of veterinary nurses and their role at the heart of the practice.

Veterinary nurses attending the event represented more than 250 years of combined service to animal welfare and nursing.

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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."