Week 2 and counting….

What a start to last weekend with the splash on the front of the Mirror… “Shot in the head….” - http://politicshome.com/uk/article/104970/daily_mirror_saturday_20th_september_2014.html.

That certainly caused a stir and resulted in a lot of email traffic between BEVA, the Association of Racecourse Veterinary Surgeons (ARVS) and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) throughout Saturday, culminating with me being interviewed by The Racing Post that afternoon.  The outcry from the racing fraternity and the majority of the general public against this crass sensationalism by The Mirror was over-whelming as well as re-assuring.

However, the situation was further complicated later in the week by a documentary on Racing UK on Thursday evening where the subject of the Use of Firearms on the Racecourse was discussed – http://www.racinguk.com/news/article/30480/racecourse-vet-calls-for-an-end-to-gun-euthanasia

On Tuesday I had a Veterinary Insurance Liaison Group meeting in The City at the Lloyds Marketing Association building, which involved another stint on a Boris bike!  This Group is involved predominantly with high value Bloodstock Insurance.  The meeting was very productive and highlighted the need for frequent dialogue with the insurance industry.  One of the outcomes is that we have been tasked with reviewing the ARM Guidelines (http://www.beva.org.uk/_uploads/documents/1ARMGuidelinesproof6May08.pdf) to make them more current and with particular reference to the Wobbler clause in that document, which is not consistent with the clause in the Lloyds documentation.

We also had a Joint Officers meeting with the BVNA scheduled for later that evening.  In the interim, I went to do some work in the Members Room at BVA HQ on Mansfield Street, to which as members, we all have access.  My visit coincided with Robin Hargreaves’ last afternoon and there was a small gathering to wish him well, which I obviously availed myself of – it would have been churlish not to!

The BVNA JO meeting was enlightening.  Their Association are particularly pleased with the new RCVS Charter, in which they have been instrumental, which recognises Registered Veterinary Nurses.  An aside to this, the issue of the title of “nurse” being used for unqualified practice nurses, which occurs frequently was raised.  Surely, it would be like calling vet students - “vets” - food for thought.

On Thursday I attended the BVA Members day in Manchester, which included an abbreviated Council meeting and the AGM.  I used this as an opportunity to feedback on their position document on the proliferation of vet schools and vet students, which will be available later this year.  The AGM marked the end of Robin Hargreaves’ tenure and the swearing in of his replacement John Blackwell.  I’m really sorry to see the back of Robin, although he will still be very involved as Senior Vice President.  He’s worked unbelievably hard for the BVA during his 12 months at the top and amongst many other things I think he’s done a huge amount to improve the BVA’s relationship with the species divisions.  John’s got a hard act to follow….