Regional co-ordinator

Beshlie-Ann Carver-Carpenter RVN, MBVNA (right)
Tel: 01424 777303
Email: beshlie-ann@hotmail.co.uk

And Assistant RCO
Sarah Booth RVN MBVNA
Tel: 07887 518450
Email: sarah.booth74@ntlworld.com


Sussex Regional Meeting Reports

The Sussex region has met for three evening meetings since the last review. The meetings were all held at Plumpton College, Nr Lewes and organised by regional co-ordinator Beshlie-Ann Carver Carpenter, writes Sarah Booth Assistant RCO.

The first meeting entitled “Pain Management - The Nurses Role” on November 13th 2007 was very well attended with over 75 members and guests. Vicky Paul Bsc (Hons) VN VPAC from Bristol University Clinical Veterinary School gave a very informative talk about the nurse’s responsibility in the organisation of pain relief in our patients. In order to discuss pain management a good definition of pain is essential. Vicky then talked about the different drugs available, side effects, modes of action and pain scoring. The meeting ended with a few useful scenarios, seen daily within practice, and possible analgesia plans for each patient. Beshlie would like to thank Clive at Boehringer Ingelheim for sponsoring the evening.

The second meeting entitled “New Developments in Flea Control - Dog & Cat” was held on a cold and wet evening in January 2008. We were all fed and watered as usual by a wonderful buffet provided by the college. The speaker Patrick Trail BVsc MRCVS gave a very enlightening and interesting talk about a subject, which most feel they know well. However, I feel I speak for the majority of delegates who attended that we all walked away with new and fresh information about the control of ectoparasites. Our thanks go to Miranda at Fort Dodge for sponsoring the evening.

The third meeting entitled “Added Value” How the Veterinary Practice can add value to their service on March 27th 2008 wasn’t very well attended. However, this gave the speaker Amy Perrett the opportunity to turn the evening into a very informal format. The first half was a presentation about the different types of pet insurance polices available and the role veterinary practices have in assisting clients to make a better informed decision. After a short break the second part dealt with how to add value to our service within practice. Amy gave a short presentation, which posed questions about the way to give ‘something extra’ to our clients. The final section of the evening comprised of three small groups and a workshop scenario about the way in which practice has changed over the past 40 years. The following discussion gave the opportunity to exchange lots of different ideas and audience participation. We would like to thank Pauline and Amy at Pet Plan for sponsoring the evening.

Overall all three meetings were a huge success as the feedback given from some of the members was very positive. Beshlie gratefully acknowledges the generous support of all the sponsors and Plumpton College. The next meeting from the Surrey & Sussex region is “Veterinary Oncology” on the 24th April 2008 at Plumpton College.