vds cover for substitute vet

Re: vds cover for substitute vet

Robin Grimmer — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 18:35:44 GMT

As a locum I wouldn't be without my own VDS cover. It also helps with your self-employment status to the tax man.

Re: vds cover for substitute vet

Vet2Vet — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:34:24 GMT

Yes phoned them on it and it does not cover RCVS disciplinary matters at all , even if the complaint comes during the locum stint as far as I understand . So therefore , it is best to have own cover but with a reasonable amount of luck you would not need it as many colleagues have never faced an RCVS complaint .

Re: vds cover for substitute vet

tess — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 22:50:38 GMT

Best to have your own cover. Have been in the situation where there was a day's overlap with the vet I was covering for. You could be left vulnerable if that happened.

Re: vds cover for substitute vet

James Laidlaw — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:07:45 GMT

I've always been told it's automatic, but am in a practice where for the first time I know it's been done as I have been sent a confirmation from the VDS to me with a temporary cover ID number type thing - it's buried in my paperwork somewhere in my locker, but I can find it if you'd like to see what it says.

Re: vds cover for substitute vet

Martin Atkinson — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:54:59 GMT

I'm sole charge and my VDS full cover is transferred automatically to a locum who is replacing me. It has been suggested that this would not cover for discliplinary proceedings once the locum has left the practice which seems odd if the event occurred whilst they are working here but it is nevertheless what I tell locums it is then their choice.

Re: vds cover for substitute vet

Vet2Vet — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 22:45:45 GMT

Thanks guys , for all the advice

Re: vds cover for substitute vet

Robin Grimmer — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 22:38:00 GMT

I'm a locum and have my own VDS cover.

Re: vds cover for substitute vet

Lorna McHardy — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 20:03:33 GMT

I've got my own... keeps it simple, and certain.

Re: vds cover for substitute vet

Utlendigur — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 18:39:36 GMT

We had a query about this recently with one locum who doesn't have her own cover and instead substitutes on the cover of the vet she is replacing. As far as I remember it will cover the locum against negligence claims arising while they are working in that one practice, but won't cover against disciplinary issues that might be spread over several practices. Best thing would be phone VDS and ask them.

Re: vds cover for substitute vet

plantagenet — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 18:18:07 GMT

Always have your own cover - that way you are sure you have it and you have full cover. Also the person you are replacing can give you help/advice with you both being covered.