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OSCE examinations to resume at Central Qualifications
"We are pleased to announce that we have been able to create a safe and secure examination centre in Suffolk" - Jacqui Garrett CQ director.
Organisation delighted to be offering OSCEs in the current climate

Awarding organisation Central Qualifications has announced that it is preparing to safely resume Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) for veterinary nurses from the middle of July.

Owing to the coronavirus pandemic, and like all veterinary nurse educators, CQ had to stop running examinations in March.

In a press release, the Organisation said that it has since ‘invested heavily’ in making its Suffolk examination centre ‘as COVID-19 secure as possible’ by carrying out a full risk assessment and changing the layout of its environment.

The Ofqual-approved body added that it has already been in touch with centres whose candidates had an OSCE cancelled in March, giving them first refusal on the first OSCE taking place in Mid-July.

“We are pleased to announce that we have been able to create a safe and secure environment at our examination centre in Suffolk which takes into account social distancing and the health and welfare of candidates, examiners and the quality assurance team,” commented CQ director, Jacqui Garrett.

“We have looked into the aspect of providing OSCEs in a secure way that minimises contact and ensures that social distancing advice is adhered to. We have refreshed our risk assessment for the OSCE in light of recent government advice, identifying protective measures and ensuring that all health and safety compliance checks are undertaken before the first OSCE session.”

She added: “We are delighted to be offering the first OSCEs in the current climate and to be giving our student veterinary nurses the chance to complete the final steps in their path towards qualification.”

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.