vds letter

Re: vds letter

JaneRVN — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 13:01:55 GMT

Have just called VDS, they didn't have my name on their database!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They aren't working off the RCVS list for some reason and so I have had to give them my details to get the letter. GGRRRRRR. When I gave my RCVS number I was told that wasn't a valid RCVS number!

STill, am now getting letter, but i would urge people to call as I have been on the RCVS regsiter without a break for 6 years, and it has still been mucked up!

Re: vds letter

Angela Mariconda — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 12:06:48 GMT

Sorry but this isnt the case, the policy isnt covering you whilst working in practice, you would already be covered under the practice policy. It's a completely different policy which covers you in result of the RCVS taking disciplinary action against you, which the practice doesnt not cover you against. VS already have this cover but until now RVNs did not.

If you are still unsure about the cover being offered you might want to speak directly to the Veterinary Defence Society on 01565 652737 to ask them to clarify it in more detail.

Insurance can be a very confusing area and I hope that these updates have been of help.

Angie

Re: vds letter

Gillian Mostyn — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 11:34:58 GMT

In other words nurses are covered for general claims, the same as a receptionist. They are currently not covered for specific professional conduct claims which may result in an RCVS investigation or associated criminal claim - this cover is what the VDS is now offering. I suppose it depends of the role of the VN in a practice, such as whether they are always under the supervision of a VS (who would therefore be held responsible) or whether they are working alone ( such as giving 2nd vaccs or doing suturing) as to whether it is deemed necessary.

Re: vds letter

Angela Mariconda — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 10:55:37 GMT

Nurses are already covered for civil claims alleging negligence under the practices policy but as individuals are not covered for support and representation in matters related to disciplinary or criminal procedures.

Disciplinary will be RCVS driven & criminal will be mainly Medicines Law related – i.e. SQPs transgressing Medicines Regulations.

I hope this helps.

Angela Mariconda - BVNA Association Manager

Re: vds letter

Angela Mariconda — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:55:07 GMT

I am currently awaiting a response from the VDS with regards to your comments and will post this as soon as I have heard back from them.

Re: vds letter

Kim Buckley — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:41:48 GMT

[quote user="NickyVN"]

I'm still really confused. If the practice is covered then why are we even being offered it? Are there things we arent covered for under the practice policy?

[/quote]

Maybe it is aimed towards locums?

Re: vds letter

Nicola Smith — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:30:10 GMT

I'm still really confused. If the practice is covered then why are we even being offered it? Are there things we arent covered for under the practice policy?

Re: vds letter

Angela Mariconda — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:22:06 GMT

For information the VDS has released the following information regarding their new policy for RVNs:-

The Veterinary Defence Society insures the vast majority of veterinary surgeons practising in the UK. It specialises in reputation protection, quickly settling claims when appropriate, whilst resisting claims which are speculative or unjustified. The veterinary surgeons’ VDS Professional Indemnity insurance policy has always extended to cover the negligent actions of the practice’s non-veterinary employees, including nurses. In recent years VDS has seen significant growth in its involvement with members facing complaints made about them to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Cover under the VDS policy includes support and representation for veterinary surgeon members when faced with RCVS complaints, disciplinary proceedings or criminal charges relating to veterinary work. This is much more than a simple legal expenses policy.

In response to the College’s declared intention to extend its disciplinary powers in the regulation of veterinary nurses, VDS now accepts RVNs as members and offers a policy to support its RVN members facing complaints made about them to the RCVS.

Complaints against a vet or nurse to the regulators of the veterinary profession are both stressful and personal, so it is important to ensure that there is an effective, experienced and knowledgeable support team available to assist all members with the handling of such complaints.

We hope this helps explain the cover the new VDS policy offers to RVNs.

Angela Mariconda, BVNA Association Manager

Re: vds letter

Katie Tallett RVN MBVNA — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:29:07 GMT

my practice is paying for all the nursing staff

Re: vds letter

Kim Buckley — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:17:00 GMT

I was told today that I am covered by the practices policy.

Re: vds letter

Sally Howe — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:52:48 GMT

I've not recieved the letter yet

Re: vds letter

Dodo bird — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:00:30 GMT

had the same letter ... one of our assistant vets said I would be covered by the VDS via the practice ... but might just check

Re: vds letter

scully — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:27:17 GMT

Came on here to ask exactly the same question!

I'm guessing it just depends whether the practice you work at covers your or not, & if they don't then I guess we'll have to pay for it ourselves. I'd imagine locums would benefit from it.

Re: vds letter

Gillian Mostyn — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:13:28 GMT

As has been said, a practice usually pays for VDS (or equivalent) cover for vets, so it seems only fair that if they do then they also pay for nurses. The only difference is that a practice may decide not to bother insuring its nurses at all....... and I'm not sure whether nurses can sign up individually themselves like a vet can..??

Re: vds letter

Steph Worsley — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:40:47 GMT

[quote user="Kim Blowing RVN"]

[quote user="Nick BATFINK Shackleton Dip AVN(surg)VN MBVNA"]

[quote user="Kim Blowing RVN"]

I was going to ask at work about this. I think we must need it. Think it said it was £22 a year so not too bad.

[/quote]

You might be lucky and practice pay for it

[/quote]

Do most pay for the vets?

[/quote]

If our place would even be willing to pay for it then i bet it will; have to come out of our cpd budget

Re: vds letter

Kim Buckley — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:31:30 GMT

[quote user="Nick BATFINK Shackleton Dip AVN(surg)VN MBVNA"]

[quote user="Kim Blowing RVN"]

I was going to ask at work about this. I think we must need it. Think it said it was £22 a year so not too bad.

[/quote]

You might be lucky and practice pay for it

[/quote]

Do most pay for the vets?

Re: vds letter

Nick Shackleton — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:30:41 GMT

[quote user="Kim Blowing RVN"]

I was going to ask at work about this. I think we must need it. Think it said it was £22 a year so not too bad.

[/quote]

You might be lucky and practice pay for it

Re: vds letter

Kim Buckley — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:28:02 GMT

I was going to ask at work about this. I think we must need it. Think it said it was £22 a year so not too bad.

Re: vds letter

Sal the 1st — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 15:39:28 GMT

RVNs will wont they?