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Vet practice sustainability micro-course launched
“Veterinary practices have a unique role to play in addressing environmental challenges” – Helen Ballantyne.
SRUC will be offering the online course from February.
 
A new micro-course on sustainability in veterinary practice is being launched by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

The online distance-learning course, which will be available from February, will explore what practices can do to meet the new sustainability standards introduced by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

The course will take a One Health approach to the issue and provide concrete examples of how practices can make large and small changes to become more sustainable. It will look at topics including using fewer single-use items, switching to renewable energy supplies, and using low-flow anaesthesia to reduce leakage of greenhouse gases.

SRUC has said that the course would suit registered veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons, although it can also be completed by other professionals who work in veterinary practices. It takes 12 weeks to complete.

The course was co-created by registered veterinary nurses Helen Ballantyne and Laura Edwards.

Ms Ballantyne said: “Veterinary practices have a unique role to play in addressing environmental challenges.”

“By empowering veterinary professionals with sustainable tools and insights, we aim to create a positive impact that supports animal welfare, community health and ecological balance.”

Image © Shutterstock

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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.