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Online transfusion medicine course launched
The course consists of eight modules deliverede across 15 months.

Improve International and Pet Blood Bank UK are collaborating on the course. 

Pet Blood Bank UK has partnered with Improve International to created an online CPD programme in transfusion medicine for veterinary nurses and technicians.

The course offers the opportunity to gain a Nurse Certificate (NCert), Veterinary Technician Certificate (VTCert) or Veterinary Paraprofessional Certificate (VPPCert), and has been accredited by the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies.

Beginning on 1 July 2022, the course takes place online, and will be delivered over the course of 15 months. 

Helen Rooney BSC (Hons) CVN, Cert Ed, Dip AVN (Medical), Cert ECCVN, RVN, Induction & Training Manager, Pet Blood Bank UK commented: “After 14 years of supporting veterinary practices with transfusion medicine and running our blood bank service, we feel the time is right to pass on what we have learned. 

“We know that transfusions are now being performed in first opinion, as well as referral settings and we are so excited to be part of this formal training and qualification for veterinary nurses.

 “Transfusion medicine is an ideal specialism for nurses as many aspects can be nurse-led, including the recruitment of blood donors and on-site product management, setting up the transfusion and monitoring recipients and developing practice transfusion protocols.

“This unique course is suitable for any nurse wanting to advance their transfusion knowledge and more confidently support their clinicians when the decision to transfuse is made.  

“At Pet Blood Bank, providing education and training to advance transfusion medicine has always been a core part of our mission so we are delighted to support the creation of this course.”

Further details on the course, including pricing, modules and FAQs, can be found here. 

 

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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.