Burnham House News
DECEMBER 2011 - ALL ABOARD THE HOGWARTS EXPRESS!
All are invited to help us light up Castle Street with our annual Christmas Display. This year come board the Hogwarts Express at Platform nine-and-three-quarters to take you to Hogwarts Castle with all your favourite characters from the Harry Potter series.
Come and join us at 5pm on Tuesday 13th December - children arriving in Harry Potter costume will receive a glowing wand to help cast the spell "LUMOS" - and light up this year's Christmas Display!
All donations will go to Rhodes Minnis Cat Sanctuary.
DECEMBER 2011 - PURRS IN PARCELS
Staff at Burnham House are asking people to help make Christmas purr-fect for cats at the Rhodes Minnis Cat Sanctuary. Over 40 long-term residents of the Sanctuary will be spending Christmas without a family of their own. Although they will be looked after by Sanctuary staff and volunteers over the festive season, we have teamed up with the Sanctuary to help make the day extra special.
If you are able to provide a Cat Christmas dinner, and perhaps a couple of toys to play with, we would love to hear from you. Pictures of many of the cats are up in each reception so if you like you can pick a particular recipient for your parcel. Parcels can be dropped at any of our surgeries right up until Christmas Eve.
Principal Jeremy Stattersfield says, "money is tight and when people do give they often like to know exactly where it's going. By making this donation of a Christmas lunch for a particular cat, people know that as they sit at home with their own family, one cat will be tucking into something special."
AUGUST 2011 - EXAM SUCCESS FOR BURNHAM HOUSE STUDENTS
We'd like to say a huge CONGRATULATIONS to our trainee nurses: Martina has passed Papers 1 and 2 of her initial veterinary nursing theory exams and Laura has passed Paper 1. These are the first set of exams that veterinary nursing students face while working towards their Diploma and our trainees, along with RVN Kim Pressnell who supervises their studies, have been working really hard preparing. Paper 1 is "Essentials of Veterinary Nursing" covering basic sciences, infection control, and care for hospitalised animals. Paper 2 is "Animal Health, Husbandry, Form and Function" which includes functional anatomy and physiology, and applied animal welfare. Martina and Laura will both be back at College in September on day release to continue their studies.
To find out more about training as a Veterinary Nurse, click here.
AUGUST 2011 - FUN PET SHOW IN PENCESTER GARDENS
On Saturday 30th July Dover Town Council held their annual "Animal Mania" family fun day in Pencester Park. There were many stalls, displays and activities, and the vets of Burnham House judged the childrens' pet show. It's always a difficult decision but we'd like to congratulate all category winners on their excellent animal care knowledge and skills!
JULY 2011 - RHODES MINNIS CAT SANCTUARY OPEN DAY
Surgery staff had fun at Rhodes Minnis Cat Sanctuary's annual Open Day on Sunday 24th July. We were there supporting the sanctuary's work and giving anyone the chance to "Try Being A Vet" with our practice instruments and games. It was a lovely sunny day which raised over £5,000 for the Sanctuary's funds.
<-- Practice Manager Bill gets to grips with Hook-A-Duck
Vet Mark and his microscope prepare to Name That Parasite... -->
APRIL 2011 - SPROCKET IS PATIENT OF THE YEAR 2010-11!
Four-year-old Hungarian Viszla Sprocket has been voted Patient of the Year by Burnham House staff for his lovely nature and wagging tail in the face of serious illness. Read his story here.
APRIL 2011 - BIOLOGY:APPLIED CLASS OF 2011
Our A-level Biology extension course finished this month with all eight students finishing the course with a trip to the Wildwood Trust near Canterbury to discuss ecology and conservation. Sessions this year 
have been:
1. Human Neurology (Cranial nerves and medical case studies)
2. Cardiology (Cardiac anatomy and ECG readings and analysis)
3. Haematology (Blood smears, cell types and functions)
4. Gastroenterology (Nutrition, enteric surgery and suture techniques)
5. Osteology (Bone and joint structure and function)
6. Comparative anatomy (Avian morphology and evolution)
7. Mammalian anatomy (Dissection study)
8. Parasitology (Human and veterinary treatment and prevention)
9. Conservation medicine (Field trip)
Biology:Applied is a hands-on course for the brightest A-level biology students to complement the work of the sixth form. Our students are aiming for the highest levels of achievement in their studies and subsequent careers and this course provides a practical, diverse view of natural science.
If you are studying A-level biology and would like to be considered for the 2012 course, please look out for details at your school and on this website in December 2011.
MARCH 2011 - CONGRATULATIONS TO STAR STAFF
We've got several staff members to congratulate this month!
Firstly, to Veterinary Nurse Fay Millar. Fay worked at Burnham House as a nursing assistant some years ago before taking a break to raise her family. In 2007 she returned to start training to become a fully qualified Veterinary Nurse. She passed her final exams in 2010 but this month attended a special ceremony at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' headquarters in Belgravia, where she was presented with her certificate and St Francis badge - the patron saint of animals - proudly worn by all qualified VNs. Well done Fay!
Secondly, to vets Jeremy Stattersfield and Sophie-Jo Walsh, who have both been nominated this year for PetPlan's National Vet of the Year Awards. The nominations are anonymous so we don't know who sent them in, so if it was you, a huge thank you! We're thrilled that our vets' hard work and dedication is appreciated. The awards ceremony will be held at the national veterinary congress in April.
JANUARY 2011 - PAWS FOR A CAUSE
Burnham House clients raised an impressive £750 during December with Merial's "Paws for a Cause" campaign. Every packet of Frontline sold raised a "paw" and a £1 donation to our nominated charity, Rhodes Minnis Cat Sanctuary.
Pictured right:
Martina, Student Veterinary Nurse
Jo, Veterinary Nurse
Laura W, Student Veterinary Nurse
Kim, Veterinary Nurse
Daisy, Student Veterinary Nurse
Laura P, Veterinary Surgeon
Fay, Veterinary Nurse
Leasa, Head Veterinary Nurse
...with some of the "paws" raised during December.
DECEMBER 2010 - TOY STORY COMES TO BURNHAM HOUSE
Characters from Toy Story 3 have been brought to life outside our main surgery in Castle Street, Dover. The film is the theme of this year's Christmas lights display at the surgery, famous for our imaginative decorations!
The front of our building has been transformed into the playroom at Sunnyside Nursery, and characters are vying for space around the tree, watched over by Jessie, while Woody drives his flying car with Buzz Lightyear close behind. Staff have been putting their creative skills to good use making everything by hand and installing a toy train, operated by making a donation to this year's charity, the Rhodes Minnis Cat Sanctuary. The display was switched on by, appropriately, a golden retriever named Woody.
Vet Jeremy Stattersfield says "It's all our own work. We hope that families will come down and spot their favourite characters while supporting Rhodes Minnis by making a small donation."
The display will remain up until early January - do come and see what you think of our efforts this year!
OCTOBER 2010 - THE GOODWINS VETERINARY SURGERY OPENS IN WALMER
Our newest branch surgery - The Goodwins - formally opened on Friday 8th
October, with our first patients due on Monday 11th. Make an appointment
on 01304 360005, or just pop in to see us and have a look round - we'd love to see you! We're at 4 Cambridge Road, Walmer, between the Cambridge Arms pub and the sea.
For more information about our Walmer branch, click here.
JUNE 2010 - WORK STARTS ON OUR NEW BRANCH SURGERY IN DEAL
We are thrilled to announce that work has begun on our new branch surgery at 4 Cambridge Road, Walmer, Deal, and we aim to open towards the end of this summer. Follow the progress of the building work with our online photo diary.
JUNE 2010 - EXAM SEASON STARTS
It's not just exam time for schools! Our final year Veterinary Nursing student Fay has been studying hard in preparation for her final exams, hoping to qualify as an RVN. She'll have written exams in July, followed by practical exams and assessments in September. Good luck Fay!
APRIL 2010 - BIOLOGY:APPLIED 2010 COMES TO A CLOSE
Our Biology:Applied A-level extension course comes to a close for 2010 with a field trip to the Wildwood Trust for a wildlife and conservation study discussing ecology and scientific ethics. The sessions studied this year have been:
1. Human Neurology (Cranial nerves and medical case studies)
2. Cardiology (Cardiac anatomy and ECG readings and analysis)
3. Haematology (Blood smears, cell types and functions)
4. Gastroenterology (Nutrition, enteric surgery and suture techniques)
5. Osteology (Bone and joint structure and function)
6. Comparative anatomy (Avian morphology and evolution)
7. Mammalian anatomy (Dissection study)
8. Parasitology (Human and veterinary treatment and prevention)
9. Conservation medicine (Field trip)
Biology:Applied is a hands-on course for the brightest A-level biology students to complement the work of the sixth form. Our students are aiming for the highest levels of achievement in their studies and subsequent careers and this course provides a practical, diverse view of natural science.
If you are studying A-level biology and would like to be considered for the 2011 course, please look out for details at your school and on this website in December 2010.
We'd also like to say a big CONGRATULATIONS to ex-Burnham House vet Heather Bacon, who worked here until 2006 when she moved to China to work with moon bears. She is now Veterinary Director for the Animals Asia Foundation and has recently been awarded the RCVS Certificate in Zoological Medicine.
Well done Heather!
DECEMBER 2009 - SNOW DOESN'T STOP US!
The snow didn't stop us running a normal service including our full 24-hour emergency service.
Burnham House staff were up early clearing pavements for those patients who braved the cold to come and see us; and our nurses pulled on their wellies to continue caring for our wildlife inpatients.
DECEMBER 2009 - APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR BIOLOGY APPLIED 2010
If you are studying A-Level biology and would like to take part, course details are available here along with the application form, which should be returned to the Practice Manager at the Castle Street surgery by the end of December.
NOVEMBER 2009 - OUR BUZZARD MAKES HEADLINES
The buzzard with pellet wounds treated at Burnham House last year is featured in Sanctuary magazine - the Ministry of Defence's annual estates magazine:
OCTOBER 2009 - PREPARE YOUR PET FOR BONFIRE NIGHT!
The RSPCA estimate that up to 45% of dogs in the UK show fearful behaviour when they hear fireworks. Cats and "small furries" also have sensitive hearing and can be frightened.
So how can you prepare your pet family for bonfire night?
During the firework season keep windows and doors closed and put on some sound to muffle the noise - the TV, radio or music. Try to ignore any signs of fear and certainly don't get angry with them - this will convince them there really is something to be afraid of! Don't walk your dog in the evening or leave them outside around bonfire night - and make sure they are microchipped in case they do bolt.
Don't forget about the pets you may have outside. Try to put cages in a garage or shed or bring them into the house where they can be quiet. If you cannot move them, try to turn cages around or put a substantial cover over them (carpet is good) to give them peace and protection. Give them extra bedding and plenty of places to hide.
Extreme cases
If your dog is very scared of any loud bangs but especially fireworks there are a number of ways we can help - but please don't leave it until November 4th!
"Sounds Scary"
The RSPCA produces a CD which can help dogs learn to be less frightened of loud bangs. The "Sounds Scary" CD aims to get your dog used to loud noises gradually so that the positive effect on their behaviour will be long-lasting. After increasing the sound levels owners can then associate the playing of the CD with something nice such as food or play. More details are available on the RSPCA's website, and you can order the CD directly from us.
SEPTEMBER 2009 - BHVS CELEBRATES EXAM SUCCESS
This month we're celebrating exam success with our fantastic nursing team.
Jo Francis RVN has completed her training, passed her final exams, and is now a fully qualified Veterinary Nurse. She has had written and practical exams this year, as well as compiling a portfolio of case reports and clinical skills which is assessed by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Jo is now entitled to use the letters "RVN" after her name.
Fay Millar has successfully completed the first year of her VN training, passed her exams, and is now able to move on to Level 3 - the final year. Like Jo, Fay has also been compiling a caselog of skills she has gained over the year, by working in the practice, being taught by our experienced nurses, and attending college one day a week. Fay should be joining Jo as an RVN this time next year!
Kim Pressnell RVN has been putting her teaching skills to good use by helping Jo and Fay with their practical training and has now herself completed the course required to become an official Nursing Assessor. This means that she is qualified to train our students and is a great support to all our Nursing Assistants.
Congratulations to all!
Nursing qualifications are explained here.
MARCH 2009 - CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STARS OF THE VETERINARY PROFESSION
!
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that THREE of our staff have been nominated for the prestigious "Oscars" of the veterinary world - the Petplan Veterinary Awards.
Kim Pressnell has been nominated for Vet Nurse of the Year; and Iain Cope and Jeremy Stattersfield both for Vet of the Year. The nominations are anonymous so they came as a complete surprise!
The Petplan Awards are held every year and pet owners vote for practice staff they think are the best in the country. This year the 
organisers were not disappointed in the search for veterinary staff that go far beyond the call of duty. Burnham House’s Leasa Neame was also nominated for Vet Nurse of the Year in 2008.
Practice Manager Hannah says, “To have so many of the team nominated in one year is incredible. It was lovely to get the news; our huge congratulations go to those nominated for awards, and our thanks to whoever it was that sent in the nominations.”
JANUARY 2009 - NEW A-LEVEL BIOLOGY COURSE
We will be starting a new Biology Applied extension course for students of A-level biology at the beginning of February. Information and application forms have been sent to local secondary schools or you can contact nurse Fay Millar at the surgery.
JULY 2008 - MEETING THE STANDARD
We've been a little bit nervous for the last few weeks as at the end of June we had an inspection from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. The RCVS is the UK governing body for Vets and they run the national Practice Standards Scheme - to prove that Accredited Practices offer the best in Veterinary care.
We've been members of the scheme since it began. Practices are rigorously inspected to ensure that they continue to maintain their high standards and keep up to date with techniques, equipment and training. Out inspection was a few weeks ago and we're thrilled to say that we've been re-awarded RCVS Accreditation at Tier 2 - the highest standard available to a general practice - and, this year, our branch surgeries have also been Accredited for the first time. Practice Standards Accreditation means that you have the peace of mind that your pet is receiving the highest standards of care - both in the parts of the Practice you can see, and those you can't!
JULY 2008 - NEW PUPPY PARTY COURSE
Back by popular demand... Nurse Kim will be running a new series of Puppy Parties covering all aspects of puppy care, socialisation and, of course, a lot of fun, at our Whitfield surgery starting at the end of July. If you have a puppy who is fully vaccinated and under 6 months old, call to book your place.
JUNE 2008 - BLUETONGUE VACCINATIONS
We are now taking orders for Bluetongue vaccines - please contact Kim at the Castle Street surgery to reserve stock. Vaccines that have been pre-ordered have now been delivered from our wholesaler and are available to collect. Further vaccine can be ordered if needed. Dosing guns are available for the 50ml vials only. If you will be using the 20ml vials you will need ordinary syringes. Link to the latest DEFRA advice here.