Vote for your favourite veterinary nurse

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 2007.

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 19-21 October at the Kettering Conference Centre, Northamptonshire.

Last year’s award was won by Pam Quelch of Nine Lives Veterinary Centre in Redbourn, Hertfordshire.  Pam was chosen to receive the award for her innovative work educating young pet owners and for improving the welfare of pets in her area.  Pam organised a Pet Health and Welfare campaign and toured local schools with the surgery’s resident rabbit, guinea pig and tortoise. She focused on educating children in caring for their pets by demonstrating how to handle and feed them correctly. She also arranged a trip to the surgery for a local Brownie group. 

Pam was nominated by Emily Boreham, principal vet at Nine Lives Veterinary Centre. Emily said: “She gives such entertaining talks for the children – they have a fantastic time”.

Nominations for this year’s award can be made by completing the nomination form on The Blue Cross website at: www.bluecross.org.uk/BVNA2007 or by contacting Sally Leathem on 01993 825577 to request a nomination form. The deadline for nominations is 1 September 2007.

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.

Media contact: Ziela Haider
Direct line: 0207 932 4063
Mobile: 0786051971

Notes to Editors

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.