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Rabbit-friendly vet awards announces winners
Pictured: Dr Madonna Livingstone, Rabbit Vet of the Year 2022.
Full list of winners released by Burgess Excel.

The winners have been announced for the Burgess Excel Vet Awards, celebrating veterinary practices and professionals who improve the lives of the UK's pet rabbits and guinea pigs.

Comprised of veterinary professionals, industry experts and rabbit specialists, the judging panel selected one winner from each of the categories to receive a cash prize of £250 and a Burgess Excel Vet Awards trophy.

The winners are as follows:

Rabbit Vet of the Year

Winner - Dr Madonna Livingstone, Ark Veterinary Clinic, Coatbridge

Shortlisted
  •  Dr Amy Reynolds, Highcroft Vet Group, Bristol
  •  Dr Jenna Richardson, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh
  •  Dr Molly Varga Smith, Rutland House Exotics, St Helens
  •  Dr Heather Westron, Alma Veterinary Surgery, Scarborough

Rabbit Vet Nurse of the Year

Winner - Abi Nell, Mill House Vets, Kings Lynn

Shortlisted
  •  Heidi Barringer, Woodgreen Pets Charity, Godmanchester
  •  Laura Chivers, Plymouth Veterinary Group, Plymouth  Sophie Enticknap, Vets4Pets, Hayling Island
  •  Emma Jeffrey, Galedin Vets, Berwick-upon-Tweed

Rabbit-friendly Veterinary Practice of the Year

Winner - Origin Vets Clinic, Cardiff

Shortlisted
  •  Ashleigh Vets, Manchester
  •  Suffolk Exotic Vets, Wangford, Suffolk
  •  Valley Exotics, Cardiff
  •  Westfield Vets, Wells

Rabbit Support Staff of the Year

Winner - Paiton Barker, Woodgreen Pets Charity, Godmanchester

Shortlisted
  •  Jo Hambling, Suffolk Exotic Vets, Wangford, Suffolk
  •  Khloe McNeill, Braid Vets, Edinburgh
  •  Carly Sedgemore, Bridges Vets, Cardiff
  •  Sophie Staniland, Valley Vet Hospital, Cardiff

Rabbit Student of the Year

Winner - Maria Jackson, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire

Shortlisted
  •  Joshua Sancho, Blue Cross Animal Hospital, London

Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) Campaign of the Year

Winner - Plymouth Vet Group, Plymouth

Shortlisted
  •  Mill House Vets, Kings Lynn
  •  Medivet, Burton-on-Trent
  •  Suffolk Exotic Vets, Wangford, Suffolk

Guinea Pig-friendly Veterinary Practice of the Year

Winner - Holly House Vets, Leeds

Shortlisted
  •  Arun Vet Group, Chichester
  •  Derwent Valley Vets, Matlock
  •  Westfield Vets, Wells
  •  Woodlands Veterinary Group, Ivybridge.


Winner of Rabbit Vet of the Year, Dr Madonna Livingstone, celebrated the achievement: “To have reached the finals again was fantastic, but to have actually won the award is completely overwhelming, especially considering how brilliant the other finalists are. 

“I am a firm believer that rabbits - and all other species - deserve the same high level of care as dogs and cats and knowing how many other veterinary professionals feel the same makes rabbits the ultimate winners every time!”

Abi Nell, Rabbit Nurse of the Year 2022, said: “I am really thrilled to have been chosen for this award. I love meeting and connecting with clients; being able to offer tips and advice for the best care for their rabbits is my favourite part of my job. 

“When a client calls the practice to ask for my advice instead of relying on an internet search, that is when I know I have really made an impact and developed a relationship with the pet owners.”

 

Image (C) Burgess Excel Vet Awards

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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.