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First ever vet nurse appointed BSAVA regional chair and council representative
Emma Gerrard (pictured) is a registered animal medicines advisor for companion and farm animals.

Emma Gerrard will represent the views of members in the Cymru/Wales region

The BSAVA has announced that, for the first time ever, a veterinary nurse has been appointed chair of a BSAVA Regional Committee and a council representative.

Emma Gerrard will take over from Kate O'Sullivan as chair of the Cymru/Wales region committee in April 2021. She has been a member of the committee since 2013 and has also served on the BSAVA Membership Development Committee. She also recently became the new Editor of the Pocketbook for Vet Nurses.

Ms Gerrard is a registered animal medicines advisor for companion and farm animals, a clinical coach and a tutor for Oncore.

In her role as a council representative she will ensure the views of members in the Cymru/Wales region are represented in council meetings and in discussions with Trustees and members of the Management Team at Woodrow House.

She said: “Being appointed the first VN Council Representative and Regional Chair is a massive achievement for myself and my nursing colleagues. It hasn’t been possible for a VN to fill a Regional Officer role until now.

“I know how long and hard colleagues have worked in order to make this happen and, for that, I am grateful. As the Committee Chair, I would really like to fly the flag for nurses I hope to inspire and empower nurses to join the Association and illustrate what opportunities are available.” 

BSAVA president Professor Ian Ramsey said: “Nurses have already served the Association with distinction in many of our Committees for several years and this is another step towards recognising the importance of nurses within the veterinary team and therefore within the Association. I look forward to seeing more nurses coming forward to help shape the Association in the future.”

Image (c) BSAVA.

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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.

 

Click here for more...
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.