My name is Albert Holgate, usually known as Bertie and I am the Honorary Treasurer on the BVNA Council.
2020 brought many challenges due to the COVID crisis which we are all too familiar with. The challenges this brought for all of us, including the BVNA, has meant that many protocols and procedures have been reviewed. This has highlighted many things in a positive light and we discovered new ways of opening access to the BVNA for you.
I think some of the main things are; the use of virtual discussions and multi organisational meetings
Educators, both in practice and college/university have managed the challenge of bringing training to veterinary nurses in a format that is stimulating and interesting whilst away from the traditional setting. I know many students struggled last year and the support of their lecturers and practice team are essential to allow them to complete their training.
Behind the scenes at the BVNA, huge work has gone into developing a collaboration on behalf of nurses provided by feedback. Typical examples are:
the Legislation working party (LWP) who are looking at new progressive ways to achieve the recognition of the empowered vet nurse with accountability yet robust in professionalism. The approach that will take us into the next generational aspect of nursing.
The increase in diversity and equality in both the veterinary profession and veterinary allied industries has given a voice in all platforms across the array of organisations seeing a huge shift in a positive direction. My own ratification to the council as a deaf veterinary nurse shows that nurses from all backgrounds are able to participate and make a difference.
The council in which I serve today and very much proud of, is there to represent you, the views you may have and the wishes of the veterinary nurse community that wish to see aspects developed or introduced.
All council members, like myself have come from different backgrounds, with differing strengths and achievements that brings invaluable experience to the council. The manifesto I brought to the BVNA which enabled me to be elected had two key elements;
to highlight and represent disabled practitioners
to gain recognition for those working in the field of charity practice. I have since gone onto the role of honorary treasurer which is an officer role overseeing the financial health of the organisation.
Working in the charity sector for almost 20 years with the last 11 years as clinical manager of the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital; I have seen such a valuable contribution to animal health and welfare that is both different and comparable to the private sector. The challenge of working in a fast paced, rewarding environment with the additional challenge of working in a cost-effective way is not for everyone. I manage a nursing team which includes; hospital assistants, VCA, ANA, SVNs and also RVNS to develop their training and have an impact on preventative care in deprived areas, offering support to those in need.
The support of my family through this has been immense and to have two children; twins, one of which is deaf too, sees an emotional, yet endearing ambition to open doors for the next generation of equality.
My passion is Taekwondo in which I hold a black belt, (1st Dan) and love autograph collecting!
My ambition for the future would be to continue my work through publishing and speaking at events on the topics of anaesthesia along with an insight to early neutering and their protocols.
I would also like to see the LWP become a success which will see a positioning that places the veterinary nurse in the forefront, enabling them to contribute more to the vet-led team and gaining the respect they richly deserve which was unthinkable many years ago.