College returns to BBC Countryfile Live

We once more attended BBC Countryfile Live at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire from 3 to 6 August, talking to members of the public about veterinary careers, the Find a Vet search tool, the Practice Standards Scheme, and roles within a veterinary practice. 

Our stand was transformed into a make-believe veterinary practice with lots of activities for both children and adults, including a number of surgical models for young veterinary surgeons to ‘operate’ on and a model dog on which future veterinary nurses could practice their bandaging skills.

There was also a game – ‘Who’s who in your vet practice?’ - to help explain to show-goers the different roles within a typical veterinary practice team, including animal care assistants, veterinary nurses, Advanced Practitioners and RCVS Specialists. The winner has now been announced with a lovely hamper full of Great British foods going to Heidi Featherstone.

Over the four days College staff, along with RCVS and VN Council members including RCVS President Stephen May, handed out about 1,500 canvas bags to the public, all of which included information about the Find a Vet search tool, ‘Who’s who’ leaflets describing the different roles in a veterinary practice, and Practice Standards Scheme bookmarks.

Ian Holloway, Head of Communications at the RCVS, said: “Events such as BBC Countryfile Live and the National Pet Show present us with a great opportunity to meet members of the animal-owning public, chat to them about our role and the services we provide, and explain more about the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions. People seemed reassured to hear about the Practice Standards Scheme, and particularly interested in our Find a Vet service, so I would urge practices to ensure their details are up to date online.”

To use the Find a Vet search tool please visit our website. Further information is also available about veterinary careers and the Practice Standards Scheme.

Pictures of the event are available on our Flickr site.