December 2021 Issue 55
Veterinary Practitioners Board
BoardTalk The Governor recently appointed a new board for a three-year term ending 30 June 2024. At the Board’s first meeting on 17 August 2021, I was honoured to be appointed president. Firstly, I would like to sincerely acknowledge the significant contributions of Kylie Parry, Jane Lord, Mark Simpson, and Wendy Cochrane who did not seek re-appointment after years of dedicated service to the Board. I would especially like to thank Mark Simpson for his insightful mentoring and outstanding leadership as the Board’s president for the past 6 years. Mark has also led AVBC through a very difficult time with distinction. Mark, you have left the Board in a much better and stronger place and have set the foundations for continued improvement. I am truly humbled by the opportunity to lead the Board as a general practitioner veterinarian in the tradition of those before me. The past year has been very challenging for the profession and the Board due to the lingering consequences of COVID-19. It has been especially difficult for veterinarians working under extra stress ensuring they are operating in a COVID safe way. The Board is acutely aware of the stressors veterinarians are currently working under and the stress associated with having a complaint made against them. It has invested in extra staff resources and training to enable complaints to be processed as quickly as possible. The Board’s Deputy Registrar and Complaints Officer, Mary Lydamore, has completed qualifications as a counsellor and is available to provide support to veterinarians and the public throughout the complaints process.
Inside this issue AGM ...................................... 2 Veterinarians leaving ............ 2 Changes to the Board ............ 3 Complaints Committee ......... 4 Inspections Report ................ 6 Recurring themes ................. 7 Shortage of veterinarians ...... 8
I would like to thank all the Board members and staff for their dedication and hard work in a challenging year. I look forward to working with the new Board and to ensuring we continue to meet the Board’s regulatory functions effectively and efficiently in a considered and compassionate way.
Government rebates ........... 10
On behalf of all Board members and staff I wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year.
Wildlife ............................... 21
Steve Ferguson President
NSW DPI .............................. 12 APVMA ................................ 19
NSW OLG............................. 22
Please help with these surveys • Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis • Dietary recommendations and DCM • Antimicrobial prescribing behaviours • Attitudes to recording and reporting antimicrobial use