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Empowering nurses at BSAVA Congress
Helen Silver-MacMahon will be speaking about delegation at BSAVA Congress.

Andy Green and Helen Silver-MacMahon to speak on time management and leadership.

The BSAVA has announced a series of time management and leadership modules for veterinary nurses at its upcoming congress.

Led by Andy Green, people director at Pennard Vets in Kent, and RVN, Helen Silver-MacMahon, VN research and development director at VetLed, the sessions will explore how veterinary nurses are uniquely placed to ensure a practice runs smoothly and efficiently. 

Depending on the circumstances, harnessing the full potential of the practice team can require structural changes, a shift in organisational culture, and investing in people. Such topics will be explored by Andy and Helen throughout the congress, with a particular focus on the central role of the veterinary nurse.

As Andy explains: “High-functioning practices, revolve around the nurses. Naturally, they are a communication hub. And let’s face it, if a vet wants to do something outside of the consult room, they will need a nurse. It makes sense to recognise the essential role they play and develop a nurse-centric structure.”

During their talks, Helen and Andy will explore how to help nurses upskill and become confident in working at the highest possible level and the benefits that come from this, such as mitigating the effects of recruitment and retention issues. 

Helen said: “Where nurses’ contribution and potential are recognised, and the hierarchy is shallowed, they make incredible leaders. At BSAVA Congress 2023, I’ll be speaking about delegation. 

“As leaders, we feel we have to ‘own’ tasks and that inevitably means doing it ourselves. But that’s not always the best option. It can leave leaders feeling overwhelmed. Whereas delegating tasks can empower others, build resilience within the team and help with retention.”

The talks take place at BSAVA Congress 2023, Manchester Central, on 23rd-25th March 2023. Discover the complete programme at bsavaevents.com

Image (C) BSAVA.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.