Licensed Veterinary Hospitals Self-assessment checklist for hospital superintendents
Issue Review Ref number
Nov 2013 Annually H006
Minimum Standards
Things to look for
Good condition inside and out
This includes the exterior of the practice, painting, gardens, clean windows etc. internal paint throughout is in good condition, air vents, ceilings etc. are clean
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Escape proof
Self-closing devices fitted on all doors that lead to the outside of the building
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Reception area
Have enough chairs and space for waiting clients and patients – sit down and take a client’s view
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Are of a surface that can be easily cleaned and disinfected, no cracks etc. for dirt to accumulate, surgery and prep areas of higher importance
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Internal walls and floors
Complies
Consult room Plumbing, instruments, fridge
Have hot and cold running water, soap and hand drying, all necessary instruments to allow a thorough clinical examination, refrigerated vaccines or close by outside, scales for weight
Pharmacy Current date drugs Printed labels Dispensing procedures Animals under care
Check for expired date drug and dispose, dispensing labels (keep out of reach children, prescription animal remedy in red at top, practice details any colour at bottom), legible font size, all dispensing for animals under vet’s care, pharmacy not in direct sunlight
Storage Recording S8’s and steroids Euthanasia solution secure
S8’s stored in locked receptacle or safe, restrict access to senior staff, appropriate NSW Health Drugs of Addiction Register (maroon colour), fill in all columns and regular stocktakes (read inside cover about rules), steroid use recorded and lethabarb secure (S4)
Prep area Clean Equipped Autoclave
Equipped for procedures performed and equipment maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations, e.g. steriliser, vaporiser, dental etc. Stocked with drugs and pain relief appropriate for procedures performed in accordance with current standards
Anaesthesia and surgery Clean Equipment Monitoring Maintained Sutures
Anaesthetics, monitoring (at least a pulse ox), adequate lighting, suture material, instruments all in accordance with current standards. Clean and as sterile as practically possible, check for dusty surgery lights, arms, vents etc.
Sharps and waste disposal
Appropriate sharps containers and all clinical waste disposed of appropriately
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Diagnostic testing and Laboratory equipment
Equipment appropriate for the diagnostic testing performed at the practice, if not, arrangements in place for external laboratory and prompt reporting
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Imaging Radiology equipment Processing Ultrasound Labelling
Radiology equipment and developing or digital / appropriate labelling and storage. Equipment maintained in accordance with manufacturer
Hospital accommodation Clean Fluid administration
Separate kennel area, cages in good condition, no rust, adequate ventilation, heating and cooling, adequate fluid pumps – food preparation and storage areas clean
Provision for isolation
Separate isolation area for contagious disease cases, adequate heating and cooling, procedures and equipment in place to ensure there is no spread of the disease
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Boardtalk December 2013. Insert 2
Licensed Veterinary Hospitals Self-assessment checklist for hospital superintendents
Issue Review Ref number
Nov 2013 Annually H006
Records Management Minimum Standards
Things to look for
Record keeping Method of record keeping Recording all animal and client details Options given Referral
All consultation details, weights, tests, treatments, diagnosis, options, referrals, important client communications recorded in sufficient detail to allow another vet to take over the treatment of the case. Recording the fact that phone call/s were made to the client, options, consents, estimates discussed and recorded.
Certification
All certification is true and accurate and a ‘known fact’ of the vet providing the certificate e.g. vaccination
Treatment admission forms Procedures listed Estimate given
Evidence of informed consent to treatment.
Records kept for 3 years
Archive records in such a way so they are easily identified and retrieved and to allow appropriate disposal after 3 years
Copy of legislation Website Boardtalk Code of Conduct Itemised receipts given
Complies
Evidence that an estimate for the treatment was provided, a range is acceptable
Bookmark the Board’s website. All the information regarding legislation, policies, guidelines, searchable current database of vets, specialists and hospitals etc. is available from the Board’s website. Download the ‘Veterinary Practitioners Code of Professional Conduct’ from website under Publications, Board guidelines. Ensure all vets are aware of it. At discharge, all clients should receive an itemised receipt of charges incurred as a result of any treatment whilst the animal was in hospital.
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Discharge information Post-surgery After hours care
Clients are provided with documented post treatment care of their animal to take home. Procedures in place to be available after hours for that discharged animal or have arrangements in place with another practice should the patient need veterinary care.
Use of drugs off label
To be used only when well recognised current knowledge permits and client is informed.
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Reference material is appropriate, assessable and current for the work being performed e.g. web based / library
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Reference material current
Your general comments and areas that might be improved
Boardtalk December 2013. Insert 2
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