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Empowering nurses at BSAVA Congress
Helen Silver-MacMahon will be speaking about delegation at BSAVA Congress.

Andy Green and Helen Silver-MacMahon to speak on time management and leadership.

The BSAVA has announced a series of time management and leadership modules for veterinary nurses at its upcoming congress.

Led by Andy Green, people director at Pennard Vets in Kent, and RVN, Helen Silver-MacMahon, VN research and development director at VetLed, the sessions will explore how veterinary nurses are uniquely placed to ensure a practice runs smoothly and efficiently. 

Depending on the circumstances, harnessing the full potential of the practice team can require structural changes, a shift in organisational culture, and investing in people. Such topics will be explored by Andy and Helen throughout the congress, with a particular focus on the central role of the veterinary nurse.

As Andy explains: “High-functioning practices, revolve around the nurses. Naturally, they are a communication hub. And let’s face it, if a vet wants to do something outside of the consult room, they will need a nurse. It makes sense to recognise the essential role they play and develop a nurse-centric structure.”

During their talks, Helen and Andy will explore how to help nurses upskill and become confident in working at the highest possible level and the benefits that come from this, such as mitigating the effects of recruitment and retention issues. 

Helen said: “Where nurses’ contribution and potential are recognised, and the hierarchy is shallowed, they make incredible leaders. At BSAVA Congress 2023, I’ll be speaking about delegation. 

“As leaders, we feel we have to ‘own’ tasks and that inevitably means doing it ourselves. But that’s not always the best option. It can leave leaders feeling overwhelmed. Whereas delegating tasks can empower others, build resilience within the team and help with retention.”

The talks take place at BSAVA Congress 2023, Manchester Central, on 23rd-25th March 2023. Discover the complete programme at bsavaevents.com

Image (C) BSAVA.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.