In this episode, we welcome HELEN BALLANTYNE RVN, VN —keynote speaker at the 2025 BVNA Congress. Helen’s powerful address explored the concept of One Health, emphasising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental wellbeing. With her dual qualification in medical and veterinary nursing, she challenged delegates to embrace leadership and progression without relying on buzzwords, instead focusing on meaningful collaboration and advocacy. Her insights resonated deeply with veterinary professionals, inspiring a renewed sense of purpose and unity. Helen shares her vision for a future where veterinary nurses are central to global health conversations.As ever, we would love to hear from your practice! Send us a voice note via WhatsApp to 07709 836865

Welcome to this episode of FIVP Practice Matters, where we explore how independent veterinary practices can build strong, effective partnerships with Cats Protection. As the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, Cats Protection offers vital support in rehoming, neutering, and education. By working collaboratively, practices can enhance care for stray and unwanted cats, streamline referral processes, and contribute meaningfully to community welfare. We’ll discuss practical strategies, shared goals, and how to align clinical services with charitable initiatives to improve outcomes for cats and clients alike. Whether you're new to working with Cats Protection or looking to strengthen ties, this episode is for you.

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice! Send us a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 836865

In this episode of 'Practice Matters' we feature FIVP practice Catmose Vets based in Rutland, the second smallest historic ceremonial county after the City of London. Just over a year ago, vet owner VICTOR ORTIZ escaped the corporate world to set up his own practice team. Was it the right decision?

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice. Send us a Voice Note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

Just ahead of their milestone 60th Anniversary congress celebrations, this edition of Practice Matters provides an opportunity to meet new incoming BVNA president SARAH HOLLIDAY. 

At an important moment for the association, we learn more about just what their diamond jubilee year theme of ‘Progression for veterinary nurses’ means and hear about some of the barriers (plus successes) that our nursing colleagues face, in trying to progress their role and responsibilities.

As ever we would love to hear from your practice. Send us a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

A vital part of the team, the responsibilities of the veterinary receptionist have changed significantly over time. In many practices, they are the glue holding the team together. They are the welcoming voice on the phone, the calm mind behind a hectic schedule, the reliable support with everyday admin – and so much more...

Indispensable? Well, from experience, you certainly know when they are on holiday or absent!

With Veterinary Receptionist Appreciation Day (1 October) on the horizon, we chat with BVRA Business Executive DANNI POOLE and BVRA Council member RACHAEL PARKIN about the changing role of the veterinary receptionist.

How do you celebrate the veterinary receptionists in your team?

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice. Send a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

What’s the connection between the man who invented the smartphone-controlled pedestrian crossing, guide dogs and making vet (and other venues) visits more accessible for disabled people?  The answer is Gavin Neate who joins us on this episode of Practice Matters and chats about his passion for seeing everyone as equal through an equitable lensand putting in place the methods that make this possible.

As always, we would love to hear from your practice. Send us a voice note or message, via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

Our guest on this episode of Practice Matters is Dr Sanjay Mangabhai, a vet for 35 years and owner of Warm Embrace – one of our valued FIVP member practices which specialises in end-of-life pet care and euthanasia in the home.

Sanjay explains why he chose to focus on end-of-life care, the support and training his team requires, and the considerations he makes for a pet owner preparing to say a final goodbye to their beloved pet. He explores the decisions that clients may face during this difficult time and discusses how practices can make pet euthanasia a more respectful experience for pets and their owners.

For more information about CAETA visit https://caetainternational.com

As ever, we would love to hear about what's going on in your practice. Send a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

One of the many reasons for these FIVP Practice Matters podcasts is to shine a light on member practices. On this edition we catch up again with GARY KELLY from Warren House in the Midlands and hear about their new referral service - Vetemis - which offers a range of laparoscopic services which independent first-opinion clinics can access.

As ever, we would love to hear about what's going on in your practice. Send a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

Inevitably, no matter how things may run in general practice, from time-to-time there will be issues around price, service or treatment etc., and can, with a little in-house mediation, be resolved most of the time. But...if there's an impasse, what happens next?

JENNIE JONES, Head of the VCMS, joins Ian Wolstenholme for an overview of their services and how their independent impartial advice can help smooth troubled waters.

As ever, we would love to hear from your practice. Do send us a Voice Message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65

In this edition we mark that which, by her own admission, is the pinnacle of FIVP Chair RITA DINGWALL'S long and distinguished career in veterinary practice management.

Rita was presented with Honorary Associateship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons at the RCVS College Day in Westminster on 4th July 2025 and Practice Matters was there to talk with Rita about how the role of a practice manager has developed since she started as a practice secretary more than three decades ago!

We hear from some of Rita's friends and colleagues, all of whom send heartfelt and sincere congratulations on this very special recognition by the College.

A ever, we would love to hear your stories from practice life. Why not send us a Voice Note, via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65.