Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Nursing – a self inflicted wound
In a recent Sunday Times article “ Our flawed, uncaring NHS is a self inflicted wound” , Minette Marrin discussed the latest revelations that certain UK hospitals are not providing the basic level of care expected and deserved by patients.

The Care Quality Commission reports have been quite damming and thought provoking but distract from the excellent care offered by a large number of caring professionals.

In the article, it stated “uncritical faith in NHS nurses as angels of selfless mercy is finally beginning to fail” and this points to a fundamental flaw in the training of nurses as a root cause.

“Taking all nurses out of hospital training into universities and insisting that all should have degrees has been disastrous for skilled bedside nursing. It has devalued it in the eyes of nurses themselves …”

The recent survey into veterinary nursing, ‘ New Awarding Body Seeks Your Views” showed an overwhelming desire by practices to retain a focus on practical nursing skills. In the change over from an NVQ to QCF qualification the RCVS made a number of significant additional changes, which received a lot of criticism and sparked a call for change.

The RCVS VN department has very firm views and interests in veterinary nurse training and the power to control the veterinary nursing profession resides in its hands. Its role as both regulator and provider of qualifications has recently come under scrutiny and it continues to be a source of frustration.  

With a new veterinary nursing qualification from an alternative awarding body on the horizon it seems the RCVS can either embrace the changes for the good of the profession or construct barriers to oppose the changes.

In the interest of care for our patients lets hope it’s the former.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

New roadshow brings free flea and tick checks to dog owners

News Story 1
 A nationwide roadshow offering free, personalised parasite risk assessments and flea and tick checks will be visiting popular dog events across the UK.

The All About Dogs shows in Norfolk and Knebworth, will be among the first events to host MSD Animal Health's Big Parasite Check campaign, which aims to address common misconceptions and highlight the importance of year-round parasite protection.

A total of six dog-friendly events will feature the free clinics from summer through to winter. Full roadshow dates and locations are available on The Big Parasite Check map or through your local MSD Animal Health Representative.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'