Infection Control in veterinary practices: Small changes, big impact

This podcast episode focuses on the importance of infection prevention and control (IPC) in veterinary practices. Host Daniela dos Santos speaks with Lisa Tolfree, IPC UK Manager at IVC Evidencia, highlighting the global significance of IPC in combating antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic diseases. The discussion emphasises that every member in a veterinary practice can contribute to IPC efforts and explore the balance between sustainability and maintaining high IPC standards. Through audits and structured programs, practices can measure their achievements, showing that small changes in routine can significantly impact overall health outcomes.

Our Guest: Lisa Tolfree NCert (Anaesthesia and Critical Care) Cert Ed RVN Senior Referral Nurse

Following a decade as a primary school teacher, Lisa qualified as a Registered veterinary nurse in 2008, working in a busy referrals practice in Bristol. She attained her Anaesthesia and Critical Care nursing certificate in 2010 and, following further studies into wound management and infection control, moved to Rowe Veterinary Referrals in 2012 as a Senior Veterinary Nurse. She began working centrally for IVC Evidensia in 2020 as Infection Prevention & Control Manager UK & Ireland and continue to work part time at Rowe Referrals to keep in touch with the daily challenges of practice life.

Our Host: Daniella Dos Santos BSc BVetMed FRCVS

Daniella graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2012 having previously obtained a degree in Molecular Genetics from Kings College. She has since worked in first opinion, small animal and exotic pet practices across the Southeast. In 2019, she became the youngest-ever President of the British Veterinary Association, leading the profession through the height of the pandemic. During her time as President, she was instrumental in the association’s Diversity and Inclusion work, as well as the development and launch of the Good Workplaces Policy. Daniella was the recipient of the RCVS Inspiration Award 2021 for her leadership and became an RCVS Fellow in 2021 for Meritorious Contributions to the Profession. She is a trustee of the PetPlan Charitable Trust.

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Please note that the views expressed by hosts and guests in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of IVC Evidensia.

Links:

Development and implementation of a structured, quantitative approach to infection prevention and control within small animal veterinary care across four different European countries: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167587725001795?via%3Dihub

Revolution Zero: https://store.revolution-zero.com/