After much deliberation and consideration, and with great sadness, the British Veterinary Nursing Association [BVNA] has decided that the 47th BVNA Congress will not go ahead this year. It was due to take place in October.

In recent weeks, a number of BVNA members, exhibitors and speakers, had expressed concerns about their health and safety if they attended this year’s event, and others reported that their employers were not allowing them to travel to external events until after Christmas this year.

So the Council faced an extremely tough decision whether to go ahead with Congress or not.

The final decision to call it off, was founded on the uncertainty facing large-scale events going ahead due to Covid-19 social distancing restrictions, and the health risks to BVNA members, speakers, exhibitors, suppliers, staff and the public.

The good news is that they are planning to organise a virtual event to celebrate the veterinary nursing profession and the BVNA, and will include first-class keynote speakers, interactive workshops, live interviews, themed virtual networking, and evening social quizzes…oh and a little bit of CPD! It will be free for BVNA members to take part but everyone’s invited to the celebration. Watch out for more details and dates coming soon…

Jo Hinde, BVNA President says

“This is the first time that the BVNA have not been able to hold our congress and it was an exceptionally sad decision to have to make, however it is vital that we play our part in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and put public safety first.

However, we cannot let the occasion pass without marking it hence offering a weekend that celebrates all things vet nurse! Our congress has always been about more than just high quality CPD. It’s where the BVNA family get together with friends – old and new. We understand just how isolated and exhausted the veterinary community are feeling right now, and how this has negatively affected individual’s mental health. As such, we want to provide an online space to facilitate those catch ups, hear from inspiring speakers and most of all…have fun! I am very excited about the new event and hope vet nurses and the wider veterinary community can join us for what promises to be a fabulous time.”

For more information contact Katie Spackman (katie@bvna.co.uk / 07719549216).