RVN Alice Cheney (centre) at Vets Now Hemel Hempstead with her team
Nurse Awarded Prestigious Louise O’Dwyer Bursary At Vets Now ECC Congress
3 weeks ago 
178 views
Vets Now has recognised outstanding clinical commitment and leadership in veterinary nursing by awarding the 2025 Louise O’Dwyer Bursary to Alice Cheney, a valued member of the Hemel Hempstead emergency clinic team.
Following Louise O’Dwyer’s death in 2019, Vets Now created the award to honour the legacy of one of the profession’s most influential emergency and critical care nurses.
The announcement was made at the recent Vets Now Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) Congress, held at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds in November 2025. The 2025 Congress brought together over 900 veterinary professionals for two days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration, with delegates choosing from 77 hours of CPD delivered by leading voices in the field.
Each year, the Louise O’Dwyer Bursary recognises a Vets Now nurse who exemplifies a commitment to advancing veterinary nursing and upholding Louise’s passion for shared learning. The winner receives a £2,000 CPD allowance to further their professional development and inspire others within the profession.
Reflecting on the award win, Alice Cheney said:
“I’m truly honoured to receive the Louise O’Dwyer Bursary. Louise’s dedication to education and her infectious enthusiasm for emergency and critical care have inspired so many of us. I hope to use this opportunity to deepen my expertise in medical nursing and share that knowledge with my colleagues, just as Louise did.”
During her time as Principal Nurse Manager (Maternity Cover) at Hemel Hempstead, Alice Cheney has championed team development, mentoring colleagues and encouraging further qualifications. She introduced a skills rotation programme to ensure all team members, nurses, vets and animal care assistants alike, remain confident in essential procedures, and has played a key role in supporting new clinicians and fostering a collaborative approach to complex cases.
Alice plans to use the bursary funding to pursue a Post Graduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Medical Nursing) at the Royal Veterinary College, aiming to bring fresh insights back to both the Hemel Hempstead and Milton Keynes teams.
The bursary was established in 2019 following the untimely passing of Louise O’Dwyer, whose impact on the veterinary community endures through her teaching, publications, and the countless professionals she inspired. The award is Vets Now’s tribute to Louise’s unwavering commitment to clinical excellence and the culture of learning she fostered.
Racheal Marshall, Head of Clinical Nursing at Vets Now, commented:
“It’s a privilege to celebrate Louise’s legacy each year by supporting nurses who share her drive and compassion. Alice’s application stood out for her dedication to developing others and her vision for advancing patient care. We look forward to seeing the positive impact she will make.”
Applications for the 2026 Louise O’Dwyer Bursary will open in spring. All Vets Now nurses are encouraged to apply by answering three set questions about their ambitions and commitment to the profession.
Remembering a true force in veterinary nursing
Louise O’Dwyer was renowned for her expertise, warmth, and generosity in sharing knowledge. Described by colleagues as “a true force of nature”, her legacy continues to inspire nurses across the UK and beyond.
-ENDS-
More from Vets Now
- Vets Now ECC Congress 2025: a glimpse into the future of emergency veterinary care
- Vets Now surgeon among 51 honoured in RCVS Fellowship admissions for 2025
- Vets Now unveils stellar ECC Congress 2025 line-up
- Nurse wins bursary in memory of inspirational RVN
- Veterinary professions assemble for UK’s only ECC Congress
6 days ago 