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BSAVA Congress News Archive
Error management
13th July 2015
The safe and correct treatment of our patients is our reason d'etre. We aim for this in the knowledge that as humans we are all fallible - we all make mistakes. We therefore have to rely on systems to help prevent or detect errors before they are able to impact on our patients or clients.

There are all kinds of reasons for staff at any level in the organisation to make mistakes.

Read the full blog at www.vetcommunity.com
Have you had a huddle today?
8th July 2015
Huddles are catching on fast. And they're no longer just for sports teams and 'way out' executives in Silicon Valley. The armed forces have them, as do retail organisations and, increasingly, hospitals and medical support teams. So why don't you?

To read the full blog, log in or sign up for free to VetCommunity.
How motivated are you?
22nd June 2015
Motivation comes from the top. No matter how hard you try to motivate your staff, you will struggle to succeed if they see de-motivation at the head of their practice.

A de-motivated or negative manager or owner can be a cancer in the practice spreading their poor attitude among their staff.

To read the full blog visit: www.vetcommunity.com
Empowering staff
9th June 2015
Empowerment is based on the idea that giving employees skills, resources, authority, opportunity and motivation while holding them responsible and accountable for the outcomes of their actions will contribute to their competence and work satisfaction. By using their initiative and not being afraid of making decisions staff will help significantly to improve the practice performance and service.

It sounds wonderful and most managers would love to have staff empowered in the way described above, but it's not quite that simple.

To read the full blog visit www.vetcommunity.com
Recording all CPD
3rd June 2015
The news reported in Vet Times last week that from January 1, 2016 vets must document their ad hoc CPD can only been seen as a 'good thing'.

Currently only 25 hours of the required 35 hours CPD study must be documented leaving 10 hours of unspecified study. It will surely be in the veterinary surgeon's interest to have a record of those 10 hours of study to refer back to.

To read the full blog visit www.vetcommunity.com .
Beating the wrong donkey
22nd May 2015
Global pharmaceutical companies were recently called on to pay for a $2bn (1.3bn) innovation fund for researching new antibiotics, in a report by a review team led by economist Jim O'Neill.

Mr O'Neill draws parallels between the banking crisis and the looming catastrophe of a world where antibiotics no longer work. He says that big pharma needs to act with "enlightened self-interest" because "if it gets really bad, somebody is going to come gunning for these guys just how people came gunning for finance".

But who are the real culprits?

To read the full blog sign in to vetcommunity.com
Cats Protection compiles grinning cat gallery
20th May 2015
Cats Protection has compiled a gallery of contented cats to cheer up cat lovers during National Smile Month (May 18 - June 18).

The photographs were submitted by Cats Protection's supporters and have been uploaded to the charity's Facebook page.

Cats Protection's behaviour manager, Nicky Trevorrow, said: "We loved these photos because, although they appear to be smiling because of the way their mouths are shaped, unlike humans cats haven't developed sophisticated facial expressions and have evolved not to show their emotions in order to survive." Image © Dawn Parr
WSAVA calls for global solidarity to end animal pain
19th May 2015
The WSAVA's Global Pain Council has launched Global Pain Recognition, Assessment and Management Guidelines for use by veterinary surgeons working anywhere in the world. Over 48 WSAVA members have endorsed the guidelines so far, with more expected to follow.

WSAVA's president elect Walt Ingwersen said: "Our Global Pain Guidelines are a practical, downloadable resource to assist practitioners in recognising and assessing pain. They are accompanied by management protocols for a wide range of painful conditions, including Caesarian section, castration, degenerative joint disease and cancer-related pain."
Scottish institutions sign Memorandum of Understanding
15th May 2015
Three leading Scottish institutions have made a public commitment to further strengthen their relationship and future collaborations.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, National Museums Scotland and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh have signed a five year Memorandum of Understanding to encourage further collaboration on a range of biodiversity activities and projects.

Future projects include a joint public engagement programme on reintroductions planned for the Science Festival in 2016, exploring shared storage of DNA samples, and investigating shared facilities across all three organisations. Image © RZSS
Two families of rare monkeys stolen from zoo
13th May 2015
Concerns are rising for the health of seventeen endangered monkeys that were stolen from a French zoo last week. Thieves reportedly broke in on Saturday night (9 May) and took 10 silver marmosets and seven golden lion tamarins.

The sanctuary's director Roldophe Delord told AFP the monkeys are extremely "rare" and "fragile" and require a strict diet. One of the golden lion tamarins also needs daily attention for a tail injury.

The thieves are said to have eluded security cameras and patrols. Mr Delord said French police and veterinary services have been informed and zoo staff are looking through CCTV.
Robin is the nation's favourite
10th May 2015
A survey of the British public suggests robins are the nation's favourite bird. Yougov's recent poll of nearly 2,300 adults in the UK found robins stormed ahead of nine other contenders. Coming in second was the barn owl, followed by mute swan, kingfisher, blackbird, wren, red kite, blue tit, puffin and hen harrier.

YouGov released the results ahead of a wider online survey of 213,000 people. Carried out by David Lindo, the poll aims to identify Britain's national bird. Voting closed on 7 May to coincide with the date of the General Election and the results will be announced in due course.
Helping to provide a snapshot of equine health in the UK
6th May 2015
Horse owners and keepers are being asked to take part in this year's National Equine Health Survey (NEHS), taking place between 18-25 May.

Run by the Blue Cross and British Equine Veterinary Association, the survey provides a snapshot of equine health in the UK. To sign up for this year's survey visit: www.bluecross.org.uk/NEHS