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Vets and VNs form choir for sick and injured pets
The Blue Cross choir has been entertaining listeners on BBC Radio Humberside and was planning a performance in Cleethorpes.

The Blue Cross ensemble sings to lift spirits on difficult days.

Animal charity Blue Cross has formed a choir to raise money for sick and injured pets this Christmas.

Vets, vet nurses, staff and volunteers of the Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Grimsby set up the choir to ease stress and lift spirits on difficult days in the veterinary world.

Not long ago, the team performed on BBC Radio Humberside, and they look forward to singing to more people as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Most recently, the group has been singing together during lunch breaks in preparation for a performance in Cleethorpes to raise funds for animals in need, whose owners may not be able to afford private veterinary care. 

Unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions meant the event had to be cancelled, but that hasn’t stifled the group’s enthusiasm.

“We started our Blue Cross choir with staff and volunteers singing along together to lift our spirits on difficult days within the veterinary world and found that we actually really enjoy it,” commented Natalie Everett, deputy nurse manager at Blue Cross in Grimsby. 

“We’ve been practising Christmas Carols, and we thought we would take the plunge and make our first public appearance and raise some vital pounds towards the sick and injured pets we care for and helping their loving owners who would otherwise not be able to afford vet care for their pets.” 

Although the event could not go ahead, pet lovers can still help the animals at Grimsby by donating via the Blue Cross website. The group has also put together a festive veterinary rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas, which you can watch below.

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
VMD issues guidance on AVM-GSL packaging

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has shared advice on its requirements for medicines considered AVM-GSL.

The guidance explains the information that should be on the outer package, and sets out the typical maximum pack size for an AVM-GSL product. It also describes the user-friendly language, structure and phrases required on packaging and product leaflets.

AVM-GSL products do not require discussion between the purchaser and a veterinary professional. This means that clear product information is needed to support sales choices.

The information will be useful for submitting new products to the AVM-GSL category and lowering the distribution category of products from NFA-VPS to AVM-GSL.

The VMD's guidance can be accessed here.