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First ever vet nurse appointed BSAVA regional chair and council representative
Emma Gerrard (pictured) is a registered animal medicines advisor for companion and farm animals.

Emma Gerrard will represent the views of members in the Cymru/Wales region

The BSAVA has announced that, for the first time ever, a veterinary nurse has been appointed chair of a BSAVA Regional Committee and a council representative.

Emma Gerrard will take over from Kate O'Sullivan as chair of the Cymru/Wales region committee in April 2021. She has been a member of the committee since 2013 and has also served on the BSAVA Membership Development Committee. She also recently became the new Editor of the Pocketbook for Vet Nurses.

Ms Gerrard is a registered animal medicines advisor for companion and farm animals, a clinical coach and a tutor for Oncore.

In her role as a council representative she will ensure the views of members in the Cymru/Wales region are represented in council meetings and in discussions with Trustees and members of the Management Team at Woodrow House.

She said: “Being appointed the first VN Council Representative and Regional Chair is a massive achievement for myself and my nursing colleagues. It hasn’t been possible for a VN to fill a Regional Officer role until now.

“I know how long and hard colleagues have worked in order to make this happen and, for that, I am grateful. As the Committee Chair, I would really like to fly the flag for nurses I hope to inspire and empower nurses to join the Association and illustrate what opportunities are available.” 

BSAVA president Professor Ian Ramsey said: “Nurses have already served the Association with distinction in many of our Committees for several years and this is another step towards recognising the importance of nurses within the veterinary team and therefore within the Association. I look forward to seeing more nurses coming forward to help shape the Association in the future.”

Image (c) BSAVA.

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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."