14/05/2010Posted : May 14, 2010
Conference offers vet nurses a "unique perspective"

Organisers of the Southern European Veterinary Conference (SEVC) claim the event will offer UK vet nurses a unique perspective on the latest thinking in their profession at an international level.

Featuring lectures from leading veterinary nurses both from Spain and the UK and with delegates drawn from around the world, the event will also provide an opportunity for vet nurses in all areas of small animal practice to share experiences, gain hands-on practical experience and learn about emerging treatments in other countries.

The SEVC, which has rapidly established itself as one of the most important veterinary events in Europe, takes place in Barcelona between September 30 and October 3, with all lectures given in English and Spanish.

The SEVC's International Nursing programme has been developed by lead chair Sol Indurain, a Spanish veterinary nurse who qualified in the UK 18 years ago and who was regional coordinator for the BVNA in East Anglia in 2009. A past lecturer at the College of Animal Welfare, she now lectures part-time on animal science at Otley College in East Anglia and works as a locum nurse at, amongst other places, an ophthalmic referral centre in Cambridge. She will lecture on barrier nursing and the ophthalmic surgical patient at the SEVC.

Other leading UK vet nurses speaking include Julie Cory, a lecturer at the College of Animal Welfare in Huntingdon, who will speak on topics including nursing geriatric felines, feline ethology and neurological conditions in dogs.  Julie was the Feline Advisory Bureau's first funded vet nurse based at the Bristol University Veterinary School and remains a member of its Expert Panel.

Louise Monsey spent time in practice before joining the College of Animal Welfare in Huntingdon as a lecturer. She will be giving talks on anaesthesia preparation and monitoring; nutrition for critically ill patients and common nursing techniques for critically ill patients.  After four years as a lecturer, Louise is once again practising as a vet nurse, having missed the hands on nature of the role.

Commenting on the International Nursing programme at the SEVC, Sol Indurain said: "Across Europe we're seeing an opening up of veterinary nursing training and, through projects such as the Pan European Practical Assessment System for Veterinary Nurses (PEPAS), there's also a greater emphasis on sharing knowledge and best practice across countries.

"The SEVC provides a great opportunity for UK vet nurses to learn more about nursing in other countries, to build contacts and to find out more about the range of international projects available for them to get involved in."

The International Nursing programme lasts for two and a half days, making it one of the most comprehensive vet nursing CPD events in Europe with those attending all receiving free entry to the Grand Fiesta marking the end of the conference.

One of the largest veterinary exhibitions in Europe, showcasing new products, services and technologies runs alongside the SEVC. It is supported by new main sponsor Nestle Purina Pet Care and other major sponsors, including Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Merial, Bayer and Affinity.

Five thousand veterinary professionals from 41 countries attended the third annual congress, which took place from October 1-4, 2009. Further information about the SEVC is available at www.sevc.info.