PSS: Small Animal

Re: PSS: Small Animal

Bob Russell — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 11:33:34 GMT

We found the VMD inspection really quite informative and surprisingly thorough. Some stuff was really a bit outside their remit IMO but still a useful exercise.

Having sat down for a chat and letting us know he was impressed and happy with the inspection he still managed to write that it was unacceptable to over-write in the CD book (the pen had run out!) plus we did not have a written protocol for filling in the CD book (it is on the inside cover of the book!) plus we did not have a direct link to a VMD page with all the medication details. Nice to know but no need to be overly critical!

Letter was a let down following a good visit!

We will probably end up using the notes for guidance as we have PSS advice on the BVA website, just as we have done in the past. Nit picking wastes everyone's time!

Re: PSS: Small Animal

Gerry Henry — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 11:16:49 GMT

We came out of it last year, I just can't see the point, more endless box ticking and form filling. The VMD fee is high considering what is actually involved however I found the inspector helpful and practical unlike the chap from the college who seemed determined to find fault (he did though a very minor one. At the end of the day it is the opinion of my clients that concerns me. A scheme which shows no interest in the quality of radiographs and isn't interested in regular servicing of machines but goes into apoplexy when the local rules aren't blu tacked to the wall isn't worth joining.

Re: PSS: Small Animal

Michael Woodhouse — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 00:04:00 GMT

I have read all 3 proposals as we are thinking of joining under the new system. It does strike as a significant improvement. I would tend to think that it would take as long to inspect a big or a small practice. Only a sample of the staff need to be asked questions - I doubt each one will be grilled on everything.

I am torn with the awards concept. On the face I like the concept, but with a few bits of paperwork generated we could easily achieve 'outstanding' for all the farm ones. I think they need beefing up and I have contacted BCVA and RCVS pointing this out. I don't know what RCVS's expectation is, but if everyone in the scheme is good or outstanding it makes them rather meaningless. My gut feeling was aim for half practices to be in the scheme with no awards. 40% being 'good' and the top 10% 'outstanding'. I'm not convinced clients will give a stuff that we have an extra award for client experience. I'm not sure how surgery falls under the advisory and consultation services in farm.

I tend to think the following awards would be more meaningful to clients:

Outstanding in small animal surgery
Outstanding in in-patient care
Outstanding with exotic animals
Outstanding in cattle or sheep or pigs
Outstanding facilities
Outstanding in small animal dentistry

I think there should be more emphasis of people holding further qualifications - especially now as they are more available to vets in practice.

Perhaps do away with it all and use a simple overall star system. People know and understand it;

1* - needs improvement
2* - basic practice
3* - good practice
4*- great practice
5*-exceptional practice

Mark them on a curve so no more than 10% can be 5*, no more than 20% 4*. That will drive up standards. That is what the scheme should do. If you want to be basic and approved and sit there then you can come in as a 2 or 3 star.

Re: PSS: Small Animal

Evelyn Barbour-Hill — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 18:53:16 GMT

[quote user="Bob Russell"]Strange that a small practice pays the same as a much larger one.[/quote]

Extremely strange.

Re: PSS: Small Animal

Bob Russell — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 17:47:00 GMT

Not cheaper. VMD inspection is every three years and costs less than one year on the PSS.

We are becoming experts on SBP here!

Re: PSS: Small Animal

Andrew Mellor — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 16:31:52 GMT

And as long as there is no sticky back plastic involved you should be fine Bob

Re: PSS: Small Animal

Andrew Mellor — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 16:30:39 GMT

But is the PSS still not cheaper than paying the VMD licence? There is a lot to get your head round but I think the scheme moving towards "outcomes" is certainly the way it should be going. It should be less of a paper box ticking exercise and more of a true - working to improve standards of care.