Dear Reader

Well the juggernaut that was the Olympics is now behind us and we can all revel in the warm glow that its success brought to the UK. Although I did not attend the London event I did go to Cardiff’s Millennium stadium to watch the bronze medal football match between Korea and Japan and the atmosphere, even as far away from London as the ‘wilds’ of Wales, was fantastic! We all have our own Olympic highlights but for me the best moment was the sight of Boris Johnson providing a great photo opportunity for the general public, whilst dangling in midair waiting to be rescued by a somewhat laidback support team, pure gold! Now we can immerse ourselves in the Paralympics! Coming from Aylesbury, Stoke Mandeville hospital was an integral part of my community and its spinal unit, set up in the 1940s by neurologist Dr Ludwig Guttmann, provided the catalyst for the first national event for disabled athletes. Today’s Paralympics are every bit as competitive as the Olympics and even more inspirational!

I know that many of you will have enjoyed being part of the Olympic experience and some will have even been part of the fantastic team of volunteers that played a pivotal role in the success of the event. The sense of being part of something special will live on but how can we maximise this in our everyday lives? On a personal basis why not consider volunteering for a local charity? Alternatively, think about continuing the ‘Big Community’ theme by considering how you can improve your practice’s place within your local community.

Could you do more to support your elderly clients in caring for their pets or what about liaising with your local schools to teach school children how to improve the care of their family pets?

The diverse range of experiences; that may be encountered within our own nursing community may be found in this month’s journal, which contains a wide variety of articles on subjects. Adina Valentine’s article provides a great insight into the nursing care of the range of species found at Bristol Zoo. The cats that she deals with on a regular basis require a little more restraint than just being wrapped in a towel prior to examination! Caroline Calder’s second article on wound management discusses a case of postoperative wound breakdown whilst Sarah Whittaker provides a useful insight into the role that the veterinary nurse can play in patient rehabilitation. Having visited Hong Kong I was fascinated to read Jessica Scofield’s piece on nursing in the New Territories, a very different environment to that of the high street practice in the UK!

Finally I’m sure that I don’t need to remind you that Congress is just around the corner, it will be the first in our exciting new venue at Telford and it will be my last as a BVNA Council member, I will be stepping down this year to make way for the vital ‘new blood’ that every association needs to keep it dynamic.

This will take the form of new members; Lucy Hayne and Jill MacDonald who I m sure will prove to be sterling additions to the team. I’m also very pleased to note that Helen Ballantyne, who has already more than proved her worth, will be returning and I wish them all the very best for the future.

Author

Sue Badger MEd CertEd VN Executive Editor

To cite this editorial use either

DOI: 10.1111/j.2045-0648.2012.00207.x or Veterinary Nursing Journal Vol 27 pp 318

• VOL 27 • September 2012 • Veterinary Nursing Journal