FIVP Practice Matters

FIVP Practice Matters
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Welcome to FIVP Practice Matters - fostering collaboration, sparking insightful discussions and celebrating the ingenuity thriving within independent veterinary practices. With a new episode every fortnight (plus bonus episodes), it’s the perfect companion for a walk with your dog or on the commute to work! We'll aim to amplify the voices and experiences from the front line of independent veterinary care as well as meeting guests from the veterinary world and beyond, delving into topics that will resonate with the whole team. Why not send us a voice note via WhatsApp to 07709 836 865 now!

  1. 17h ago

    Ep070 - Attachment theory to solve team disconnect - Jackie Layng

    We talk a lot about protocols, compliance and client care on this podcast — but what about the people holding it all together? In this episode, Ian Wolstenholme sits down with Jackie Layng, an ICF-credentialed executive coach and certified practitioner in Emotional Connection (EmC), whose 20+ years in the veterinary industry span general practice, orthopaedic referral work, and a stint as Chief Veterinary Officer across a 22-practice group in the UK and Ireland. Jackie brings attachment theory — historically associated with parenting or personal relationships — into the clinical workplace, unpacking why some teams stay loyal and connected while others quietly fracture under pressure. We dig into why "we're like a family" isn't always the compliment it sounds like, how to spot attachment patterns behind recurring team friction, and why the emotional intensity of veterinary work makes secure connection between colleagues more essential, not less. Whether you're an owner battling turnover, a manager stuck refereeing the same conflict on repeat, or just curious why some practices feel different to work in — this conversation offers a genuinely practical lens on the people side of leadership. As ever, we’d love to hear from your practice.  Send us a voice message via WhatsApp to 07709 836865 For more information - https://jackielayng.com/ A reminder that throughout November, the 2026 RUMA CA&E Animals Medicines Amnesty will take place. You can return any unused or out-of-date animal medicines to your vet practice for safe disposal. For more information: https://rumacae.org.uk/vet-antibioticamnesty/

  2. Oct 20

    Ep069 - Oncotails - Specialist in your practice

    Welcome back to Practice Matters, the FIVP podcast exploring the real issues and innovations shaping independent veterinary practice today. What if providing specialist-level care didn't require sending patients miles away to unfamiliar tertiary hospitals? Today, we're exploring a model that brings expert oncology care directly into the primary clinic, keeping pets in familiar surroundings while supporting local teams. Joining us is SARAH MASON, double board-certified specialist in Medical and Radiation Oncology, FRCVS, and founder of Oncotails. After 15 years in multidisciplinary referral centres, Sarah is shifting the paradigm by collaborating directly with independent practices. In this episode, we discuss how hybrid specialist support works day-to-day, the profound impact on patient stress, and how shared care empowers primary clinical teams while keeping cases—and revenue—within local practice walls. As ever, we would love to hear from your practice. Send us a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 836865 For further details of Oncotails and the services offered visit: https://www.oncotails.com/

  3. Oct 13

    Ep068 - BONUS - Dalehead Veterinary Group Skipton branch opening 3.10.26

    In this special bonus episode of Practice Matters from the Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP), host Ian travels to Skipton for the grand opening of the Dalehead Veterinary Group’s newest branch practice. Celebrating 100 years of service in the Yorkshire Dales, Dalehead marks this centenary milestone with an open day celebrating traditional community-centred values alongside modern veterinary care. Director Peter O'Hagan and SQP Harriet reflect on the practice’s independent ethos, discussing how personal continuity and transparent care foster deep trust amidst widespread scrutiny in the veterinary sector. Head Veterinary Nurse Catherine shares her 26-year journey with the practice, highlighting the familial bond and client relationships that keep her passionate about her role. Farm directors Ian Illingworth and Russel Howarth delve into the dynamics of modern farm medicine, highlighting collaborative herd health management and offering inspiring advice for future veterinary graduates considering large animal practice. The celebration culminates with special guest Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards cutting the official opening ribbon, followed by guided tours and a lively local dog show. Tune in to explore what makes independent practice thrive!

  4. Oct 6

    Ep067 - Being Human Part 2

    Welcome to Practice Matters, the podcast from FIVP exploring the trends shaping the future of independent veterinary care. In this episode, we continue our conversations around Human Factors with guests HELEN SILVER-MCMAHON and MEGAN DAVIS from Being Human, an organisation empowering high-pressure sectors to enhance safety and workplace culture. While clinical excellence is vital, how teams function together ultimately drives patient safety, client trust, and staff retention. We look at the work that Being Human have conducted around similarities between the veterinary and legal professions. Seems we are not alone! Whether you run an independent practice or work on the front lines, you'll discover how human factors can transform your team’s performance and daily wellbeing. If you missed Part 1 of the conversation you can catchup here.  As ever, we'd love to hear from your practice about how you have implemented human factors. Why not send us a voice message to 07709 83 68 65 and be part of the conversation. For more details about Human Factors visit:Veterinary | Human Factors Training Solutions | Being Human

  5. Sep 22

    Ep066 - Being Human Part 1

    Welcome to Practice Matters, the podcast from FIVP exploring the trends shaping the future of independent veterinary care. In this episode, we do dive into Human Factors - the crucial intersection of communication, teamwork, decision-making, and wellbeing under pressure.   While clinical excellence is vital, how teams function together ultimately drives patient safety, client trust, and staff retention. We’re joined by HELEN SILVER-MCMAHON and MEGAN DAVIS from Being Human, an organisation empowering high-pressure sectors to enhance safety and workplace culture. Together, we discuss what human factors look like in a busy practice, how systems thinking shifts teams away from blame, and actionable ways leaders can foster psychological safety and curb subtle incivility.  Plus, we explore surprising parallels and shared lessons between the veterinary and legal professions. Whether you run an independent practice or workon the front lines, tune in to discover how human factors can transform your team’s performance and daily wellbeing. Much to cover over this two-episode special around human factors and, as always, we would love to hear from your practice about how you implement these ideas.  Why not send us a voice message to 07709 83 68 65 and be part of the conversation. For more details about Human Factors visit:⁠Veterinary | Human Factors Training Solutions | Being Human

  6. Sep 8

    Ep065 - Sustainable Anaesthesia

    Welcome back to Practice Matters, the FIVP podcast where we explore the ideas, innovations, and frontline experiences helping independent practices thrive! In this episode, we tackle a major environmental footprint hiding in plain sight within our prep rooms and theatres: anaesthetic gases. Volatile agents like isoflurane and sevoflurane are potent greenhouse gases, but reducing their impact doesn't have to mean sacrificing patient safety—or your bottom line. Joining us is VICTORIA PLIMMER, an RVN with a passion for clinical auditing and greener practice and founder of Victoria Plimmer Consultancy. Together, we unpack: Debunking the "Cost vs. Green" Myth: How sustainable choices boost profitability.Quick Wins: Low-hanging fruit for immediate, low-budget implementation.Low-Flow Safety: How to transition safely using essential monitoring tools and capnography.Nurse-Led Workflow: Empowering RVNs to lead culture changes and optimize workflows.Tune in to learn how small, data-driven changes can create a greener, more cost-effective clinic today! As ever, we would love to hear from your practice – send us a voice note or message via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65 For more information - www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-plimmer-rvn or VictoriaPlimmer

  7. Aug 25

    Ep064 - Simulations Training (or Get an Ikea dog!) - Dr Hannah Godfrey

    In this episode of Practice Matters, we sit down with HANNAH GODFREY from VetLed to explore how simulations training is revolutionising team performance in independent veterinary practices. High-pressure emergencies can easily trigger communication breakdowns, clinical errors, and immense staff stress. Hannahexplains how independent practices can adopt immersive, aviation-style simulations to practice these critical scenarios in a safe, zero-risk environment. The discussion centres on VetLed's "Train the Trainer" approach, which equips practice leaders with the skills to design realistic emergency scenarios and facilitate constructive, blame-free debriefs. Listeners will learn how understanding "Human Factors"—the science of how teams interact under stress—can transform everyday clinical workflows, case reviews, and practice culture. Tune in to discover how your independent practice can adopt simulations training to build a highly resilient, collaborative team, elevate patient safety, and significantly protect staff wellbeing. As ever, we'd love to hear from your practice. Send us a voice note, via WhatsApp to 07709 83 68 65 https://www.vetled.co.uk/courses-services/supporting-your-team-to-perform-under-pressure-open-course

  8. Aug 18

    Ep063 - BONUS - Pushing back against the CMA poster

    Welcome to a vital bonus episode of Practice Matters,the podcast dedicated to supporting, celebrating, and defending the UK’s independent veterinary sector. Today, we are tackling a critical issue sending shockwavesthrough independent clinics nationwide: the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) draft mandatory poster. While presented as a push for transparency, its prominent claim that medicines are "significantly cheaper online"oversimplifies the pharmacy process, ignores vital cross-subsidisation, and threatens to erode client trust. To break down what this means for your daily schedule,fees, and staff wellbeing, host Ian Wolstenholme is joined by ADRIAN WARD, vet and principal at Neighbourhood Vet in Gosport. Together, they discuss the operational fallout, the danger of frontline abuse, and why independent practices must demand a redraft before the public consultation closes on 20th August. Tune in to discover how to make your voice heard! Link to CMA Consultation to respond: https://connect.cma.gov.uk/consultations/draft-substantive-order-and-undertakings

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About

Welcome to FIVP Practice Matters - fostering collaboration, sparking insightful discussions and celebrating the ingenuity thriving within independent veterinary practices. With a new episode every fortnight (plus bonus episodes), it’s the perfect companion for a walk with your dog or on the commute to work! We'll aim to amplify the voices and experiences from the front line of independent veterinary care as well as meeting guests from the veterinary world and beyond, delving into topics that will resonate with the whole team. Why not send us a voice note via WhatsApp to 07709 836 865 now!

Information

  • Creator
    FIVP Practice Matters
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © FIVP Practice Matters
  • Show Website
    FIVP Practice Matters