Vet Achieves Inaugural RCVS Compassion Award

David sits on the IVC Evidensia UK Welfare Group and is also a Clinical Director at Brownlow Veterinary Group. He has been heavily involved with a Non-Accidental Injury (NAI) support initiative for practice teams within IVC Evidensia. (See the full story.) Described as a consistent advocate for pet, client and team welfare within the NAI field for many years, David continues to help practitioners identify the signs of NAI.

With David and his colleagues at the helm, the IVC Evidensia NAI support initiative has instigated staff training webinars, a handbook to guide them if they come across a suspected case, and a helpline for advice as well as support for staff affected by domestic violence.

Jacqueline Seymour MRCVS, a VetsNow district veterinary surgeon, sits with David on the IVC Evidensia UK Welfare Group and nominated him for the award. She said,

“In 2020, a large rise in domestic abuse was reported and our teams faced increased numbers of potential non-accidental injury cases. David contributed his knowledge and personal time during a pandemic that markedly increased his normal practice responsibilities. He provided direct support to teams in his own time, as well as leading parliamentary discussion, online webinar training and production of additional resources to aid teams in these situations.”

David was thrilled that he was nominated and received the inaugural award. He said,

“I am truly honoured to be given this award by the RCVS and am delighted to be able to further raise awareness of non-accidental injury in animals and the links with family violence. I am very passionate about helping veterinary staff deal with the serious problem that non-accidental injury represents in all of our practices be they small animal, farm animal or equine as well as our referral network.”

A full list of the 2021 recipients for the RCVS Honours and Awards can be found here.