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RCVS to host session on carbon neutral surgery
Experts will consider how the NHS has achieved more carbon neutral methods to its healthcare.
The interactive panel will be presented at London Vet Show.

The RCVS Fellowship is to host a session at London Vet Show, exploring whether carbon neutral veterinary surgery is achievable.

The session is titled ‘Is carbon neutral surgery possible? What can we learn from the NHS?’, and sees the group partner with leading sustainable healthcare advocates for an interactive panel. It will take place on 16 November from 11.20am- 12.20pm.

The panel of experts will discuss the ways that the carbon footprint of veterinary surgery can be reduced.

They will also consider how the NHS has achieved more carbon neutral methods to its healthcare, without compromising patient care and safety.

The panel includes Mahmood Bhutta, a consultant ENT surgeon and professor of sustainable healthcare at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School, as well as RCVS president Dr Sue Paterson FRCVS and Vet Sustain director Dr Zoe Halfacree FRCVS.

Dr Paterson represents the RCVS at the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change (UKHACC), where she has previously worked with Prof Bhutta in his capacity as chair of UKHACC’s Green Surgery Project Team.

Dr Paterson said: “On UKHACC I have been made aware of some of the pioneering ideas and actions to ensure that our healthcare systems, while playing such a vital societal role, are also not having a deleterious effect on our environment.

“I’ve no doubt that many of the sustainable innovations and interventions in human healthcare can be applied in the veterinary sector, and I look forward to discussing this with Mahmood, Zoe and Ellie next month.”

RCVS’ stand at London Vet Show will also include a ‘learning zone’ across both days, hosting guest speakers who will give educational presentations on regulatory issues.

One of these guest speakers will be RCVS junior vice-president Dr Linda Belton, who will talk about the regulatory body’s much discussed new under care guidance in a presentation titled ‘Under care and remote prescribing: your questions answered’.

Other topics that will be explored in the learning zone will be the RCVS Academy, its 1CPD platform and the group’s VN futures project.

London Vet Show is taking place from 16- 17 November at ExCeL London. Tickets can be purchased here.

Image © Shutterstock

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.