Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 15th March 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Vet students lead workshops to help vulnerable children
"The student led 'Be a Vet for the Day' workshops are an amazing and unique experience for the vulnerable children we work with" - Lesley Winton.
‘Be a Vet for the Day’ workshops help children learn empathy and compassion.

In the first of a series of events to celebrate its bicentenary, the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (Dick Vet), in partnership with charity Fostering Compassion held workshops for vulnerable children, to help them learn about empathy and compassion.

The ‘Be a Vet for the Day’ workshops were attended by children who had been referred to Fostering Compassion for support. During the day, the children were given the opportunity to learn some basic veterinary skills, and were allowed to wear clinical scrubs to help them feel the part.

The children used stethoscopes to listen to their own hearts, and examined animal x-rays. They were also shown how to apply bandages before getting to practise on their own teddies. All the children were awarded certificates of achievement at the end of the day.

Fostering Compassion has helped over 700 children throughout Scotland since it was established 10 years ago. The veterinary workshops were run as part of its ‘Creating Compassionate Children’ programme.

Lesley Winton, chief executive officer of the charity said: “Fostering Compassion has enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the students and staff of the Dick Vet for many years. The student-led ‘Be A Vet for the Day’ workshops are an amazing and unique experience for the vulnerable children we work with and we are incredibly grateful for the School’s ongoing support!"

The workshops were developed and delivered by Dick Vet students Cindy Zhao, Faye Tan and Megan Sawatzky, along with a team of volunteers.

Dick Vet senior veterinary clinical lecturer Dr Andrew Gardiner said: “The Dick Vet is proud that its students continue to support this wonderful local charity. We are delighted to make our facilities available for the ‘Be a Vet for the Day’ workshops, and to continue our collaborations with Fostering Compassion.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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. 

Click here for more...
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.