JMICAWE Vet Nurse Hayley Walters receives MBE in New Year's Honours List

Hayley Walters receives MBE in New Year’s honours

Hayley Walters, The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education's Welfare & Anaesthesia Nurse, was made an MBE in the New Year’s Honours.

Welfare & Anaesthesia Nurse within The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education (JMICAWE), Hayley splits her time between working in the School's Hospital for Small Animals as a key member of the anaesthesia team and supporting JMICAWE work in Outreach Education projects.

As well as Hayley's clinical work she has responsibilities for training veterinary surgeon and veterinary nurse students in all aspects of animal welfare, handling and pain management. She has also worked all over the world to share her veterinary nursing and animal welfare education skills as part of her work with JMICAWE.

Hayley has previously won the RCVS Golden Jubilee Award, in honour of her exceptional contribution to her profession. 

In response to receiving the award, Hayley Said: 

“I feel really happy that the veterinary nursing profession is being recognised by the Queen! I started my career as a part time receptionist and kennel maid when I was 18 and qualified as a veterinary nurse three years later. I’m 40 this year and I still love my job. I care so much about the animals' experience when they’re away from home and when everything that is familiar to them has gone."

"I feel very privileged to receive an MBE but it has only happened because I am fortunate enough to work with really dedicated and inspiring people. Our international animal welfare education team within the University of Edinburgh is small, but between us all we are reaching students not only in the UK but overseas too where often animal welfare is not taught. Student vets and veterinary nurses are the future ambassadors for animals and I hope to be able to continue my work for many more years."

Professor David Argyle, Dean and Head of the Vet School, said:

“We are delighted that Hayley has been awarded an MBE for services to veterinary education and animal welfare. This is a very well deserved recognition for Hayley’s outstanding contribution in educating student veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses here at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and for her work on animal health and welfare issues both in the UK and around the world.”