From the Hospital Inspector’s Desk

“I’ve finished round 1 !”
I’ll have to phrase that another way because it doesn’t sound impressive enough. “I’ve inspected every veterinary hospital in New South Wales !” That sounds better. Approximately 620 inspections in exactly 2 years of employment with the Board. It’s actually more come to think of it when I take into consideration reinspections and prelicencing inspections.

In any case, as I sit here tapping away on my PC, wondering what to write, so many thoughts are flooding through my mind. I suppose the first thought would be “I’m impressed !” (lets not get carried away here, I’m speaking in general terms)- mainly with the progressive professionalism and diverse character within small animal veterinary hospitals in New South Wales. I have made it my business not to miss an opportunity to talk the profession up, while at the
same time trying to quietly identify and persuade those few (including non-veterinarians) who have the potential to do damage to themselves, the consumer or the Profession.

I personally believe a great deal has been achieved via the thorough inspection process. The identification of areas of non-compliance with legislation has highlighted areas where practices need to improve. This has usually involved
capital investment in equipment or facilities, but as hospital superintendents and business partners will confirm, most of the inspection time is spent sitting down discussing areas of potential non-compliance with the Veterinary Surgeons Code of Conduct, other legislation or hypothetical scenarios which may cause rise to complaints from the paying public. As many of you know, I call these hypothetical situations “landmines”, because they are rarely seen but can do great damage.
“There are no penalties if I find your records have holes in them. I’m there to identify possible non-compliance with
records and standards and suggest ways to achieve compliance.”

After these situations have been identified, it’s up to the practices to pick up the ball and run with it. I often see areas of potential concern that revolve around consent and cost issues. It is now generally accepted that it is vital to:

  1. Gain the consent at every stage of treatment
  2. Convey the associated costs at every stage
  3. Document 1 and 2 in some way

Numerous types of grievance situations can often be avoided when communication is open, concise and recorded. A client may have selective hearing when it comes to consents, options, costs and veterinary advice. Recording this type of information may assist you to resolve your own complaints in-house and possibly avoid owners from taking further action in certain situations. I find clinical case histories are generally comprehensive so, lets complete the picture, which includes 1, 2 and 3 above.

I am very grateful for the way I have been supported by open minded veterinarians and their staff, the NSW Division of the AVA, the Board’s staff and of course the Board members past and present-Thank you. I am looking forward to the introduction of the new legislation and my role within it.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous year in 2004.

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