Vote for your favourite veterinary nurse

9 June 2008

The Blue Cross, Britain’s pet charity, is calling for nominations from veterinary practices across the country for its Veterinary Nurse of the Year Award 2008.

The annual award is presented at the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) Annual Congress.  It recognises the contribution of veterinary nurses in educating the public about responsible pet ownership and the welfare of pets in the community.  This year’s Congress will take place on 10-12 October at the Kettering Conference Centre, Northamptonshire.

Last year’s award was won by Anna Hatchett for her outstanding contribution to animal welfare, both within her veterinary practice and among the local community in Whitby, North Yorkshire.

Anna Hatchett was nominated by two vets, Edward Gillams and Kate Loomes, who previously worked with her at The Beck Veterinary Practice in Whitby. Ms Loomes commented: “Anna is an exceptionally dedicated and talented nurse.  She has an amazing memory for clients and takes time to enquire as to how their individual pets are.  She doesn’t hesitate to take in and care for stray and lost animals and works well over her working hours when animals are in need of help.”

Nominations for this year’s award can be made by completing the nomination form on The Blue Cross website at: www.bluecross.org.uk/BVNA2008 or by contacting Sally Leathem on 01993 82557. The deadline for nominations is Friday 15 August 2008.

The Blue Cross has taken the lead in animal care for over a hundred years. Its four animal hospitals provide a lifeline for pet owners on low incomes.  Its community vet services also cater for elderly and disabled people. Without the charity’s hospitals, and the services they provide, many people would be without the benefits that pet ownership can bring.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Photo caption: From left to right – TV vet Scott Miller, BVNA Blue Cross Nurse of the Year Award winner, Anna Hatchett and Blue Cross director of veterinary services, Dick Voigt (since retired).

The Blue Cross Veterinary Nurse Award is given each year to a veterinary nurse who has excelled in educating the public about pet welfare. The Blue Cross first presented this award in 1999.

The Blue Cross operates four animal hospitals in Victoria, Hammersmith and Merton (London) and Grimsby (Lincolnshire).  Its flagship hospital in Victoria is believed to be the first of its kind in the world to open in 1906.  It has never once closed its doors in over 100 years.

The Blue Cross animal charity provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of small animal and equine adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.  For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

Media contact

Louise Lee, Press Officer, 020 7932 4066 or louise.lee@bluecross.org.uk