North Downs Specialist Referrals To Offer In-house Training For The First Time
5 years ago 
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Two student nurses are set to embark on the next stage of their veterinary careers at North Downs Specialist Referrals (NDSR) after the leading animal hospital was approved as a training centre.
For the first time in its 10-year history, NDSR, which is based in Bletchingley, Surrey, will train nurses in-house, paving the way for outstanding nursing assistants to progress under one roof and further their careers with the renowned referral centre.
Clinical services manager Sam Thompson, who has led the way to the hospital being recognised as a training practice, said: “We have waited a while before going forward with this because we wanted to be able to offer the very best training experience.
“We had to ensure all protocols were up-to-date, that resources were available and nurses had to be trained as clinical coaches.
“We are proud and excited for the next step. We are all really looking forward to seeing the students develop and become excellent nurses.
“As we all know, there is a shortage of qualified nurses and whatever practices can do to help this is beneficial.”
Terry Emmerson, hospital director at NDSR, said: “Becoming a training centre means we can offer progression for our excellent nursing assistants, helping us to retain our best staff and ensure we continue to provide the very highest level of service of clients and patients.”
Abigail Garner, one of NDSR’s current nursing assistants, has become the hospital’s first student veterinary nurse this month.
She will be undertaking her diploma at MYF Training, in Aldershot, on a day release programme, while completing practical elements with NDSR.
As well as internally promoting Abi, NDSR will also be welcoming Libby White, from Nottingham University, who will be completing her second year placement.
She has already completed one placement while at university and is working towards her degree in veterinary nursing.
For more information about North Downs Specialist Referrals, which is part of the UK-wide Linnaeus Group, visit www.ndsr.co.uk.
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