A PAIR of veterinary nurses based at a Runcorn animal hospital are among a select few in the country providing advice to a prestigious industry board.

Sophie McMurrough and Michelle Moran, from Northwest Veterinary Specialists (NWVS), are using their expert knowledge to help steer the Linnaeus clinical board, which is made up of highly skilled veterinary surgeons and nurses.

Sophie, a nurse team leader, is one of the newest members of the board and was selected to be the nurse subject matter expert in feline medicine.

It was a rigorous process to be selected and due to the large number of applicants the appointment decision was passed to an external board.

A proud Sophie said: “The selection decision is based on the skills, engagement and commitment of the individual in the subject area.

“Now I have been chosen, I will contribute to group guidelines and policies in my area of expertise and will represent nursing in the subject area of feline medicine.”

Additionally, Sophie will be providing expert opinion and an all-inclusive view on specific matters, plus working on various projects including blood banking for cats.

Meanwhile, Michelle, team leader nurse for anaesthesia and surgery at NWVS, is also providing valuable insight for the Linnaeus clinical board.

Michelle, who is the nurse subject matter expert for anaesthesia and analgesia, said: “It is a collaborative role with the subject matter expert clinician in anaesthesia and analgesia where protocols and the need for further education across Linnaeus is looked at.

“It is here we then develop clinical guidelines using the most current and up to date evidence we have available to us as well as our own clinical knowledge and expertise.

“We meet regularly as a board throughout the year to discuss these guidelines and other topics that are needed for the future.

“I really enjoy working with other associates across Linnaeus and being able to collaborate with a larger network of professionals to create and support anaesthesia and analgesia care for our patients.”