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RCVS survey to address VNs' mental health
The survey aims to understand the mental health issues that veterinary nurses face.
The RCVS is asking for student and newly-qualified veterinary nurses to take part. 

The RCVS has launched a new survey as part of its Mind Matters Initiative (MMI), to help inform future work with the veterinary nursing profession.

Aimed at students and nurses who have qualified within the last two years, the survey aims to collect information about mental health and the veterinary nursing profession, in order to tailor specific events and projects for the profession. The survey is also aimed at the clinical coaches responsible for the practical training of student and newly-qualified veterinary nurses, at RCVS-approved training practices. 

Mind Matters manager, Lisa Quigley, said: “There is a bit of a research gap when it comes to the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary nurses – particularly student VNs – and we are seeking to address this, with this survey being a crucial first step.

“Mind Matters is committed to listening to the people that we want to reach, to help us understand the issues they face and what matters to them, and so if you are a student or newly-qualified vet nurse, or a clinical coach who supports them, we really want to hear from you, whether or not you have had experience of mental ill-health and/or needed support yourself. The survey itself has been developed with the input of veterinary nurses and student veterinary nurses and we are very grateful for their time and effort.

“All the responses will be treated in the strictest confidence but will be used to shape future projects, including an upcoming roundtable event on Student VN wellbeing and the Mind Matters Mental Health Research Symposium.”

Taking between 15-20 minutes to complete, the survey asks several questions surrounding preferred sources of mental health support, levels of support available to access in education and work setting. It also covers levels of stress encountered, discrimination and bullying in both education and work settings, confidence, the impact of the RCVS, and coping strategies for stress and mental ill-health.

The survey is accessible via the Projects section of the Mind Matters website, at vetmindmatters.org

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.