Spay Academy Spain Welcome Pack · PDF file© Copyright 2016 Luis Sainz-Pardo. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted

© Copyright 2016 Luis Sainz-Pardo. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanic, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author.

Spay Academy Spain – Welcome Pack

A warm welcome to this Spay Academy Spain (SAS) neutering course.

Please find detailed here some important and useful information ahead of your visit.

Tutor.

Your course will be led by an experienced MRCVS veterinary practitioner, whose aim will

be to ensure not only your well-being, but also that everything runs smoothly and that

everyone is able to take maximum benefit from this course.

Before you visit.

It is advisable before your visit to ensure that you have read all of the details and

downloads available on the SAS website.

We suggest that you may wish to download applications such as WhatsApp or Viber to

your smartphone ahead of travel to ensure the best possible means of communication.

You will have free Wi-Fi connection at the Scooby centre and it is available in most

hotels.

Scooby Wi-Fi password: scoobygalgos

During your stay.

Your course tutor will be on site every day from 8.00am and we ask that all delegates

join him/her promptly at this time. They will be on site until the end of the day and are

contactable for emergencies outside of this. You will be provided with contact details at

time of booking.

Your tutor will be your key point of contact for any queries regarding the Scooby centre.

They will be able to direct any queries to the relevant person in order to an answer these

as quickly and efficiently as possible.

At the end of this document you will find several maps indicating the location of the most

important amenities you may need (hotels, shops, restaurants, doctors, chemist etc).


Safety considerations.

Whilst we do our utmost to ensure your safety during your visit, we do ask our students

to carefully consider their health and safety at all times.

For those who do not already have one, we advise you to obtain a European Health

Insurance Card ahead of your visit.

As shown below, they are very simple to get hold of – simply visit this NHS website,

complete a few simple questions and you will normally receive your card within 7 days.

We ask that you complete the “Personal Emergency Information” form found on our

website and send it to [email protected]. This information will only be used

in the case of an emergency and will be destroyed immediately following your departure.

As well as general health and travel insurance, we recommend that all students

investigate further insurance to cover the inclusions of this study trip. Please see the

Endsleigh website for more details and guidance.

You may be used to travel and therefore understand that the concept of health and

safety, risks and hazards broadly varies from country to country. However, we wish to

outline some basic advice regarding your forthcoming trip to Spain.

Heat: Temperatures in Spain can reach 30-40° during peak summer months. The

following chart shows the average temperatures you can expect to experience during

your visit to Spay Academy Spain.

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/about-the-ehic.aspx

mailto:[email protected]

https://www.endsleigh.co.uk/personal/travel-insurance/?agent=00945&gclid=CNGK0pOe5M8CFQ2ZGwod4qICHQ&gclsrc=aw.ds


Insects: In Spain there is an array of blood sucking insects that come out mainly during

the evening and night. Although Scooby is not situated near any particularly susceptible

areas, it is advisable to use insect repellents.

Other creepy crawlies: Both scorpions and adders can be found in this part of Spain

but it would be very rare to come across them. General advice is to ensure that you don’t

turn stones or slide your fingers under anything that could be providing shelter to one of

these little friends.

Electrics: The wiring of buildings and electrical instruments does not follow the same

rules as the UK. You may therefore be surprised to see switches and sockets in

bathrooms and shower rooms, as well as live wires in sight. This has never caused any

issues at the Scooby site but we do advise you to exercise precaution and avoid

touching.

Bites and scratches: You are a vet so use your skills to see these coming and avoid

where possible. The staff at Scooby are used to handling animals and dog catches,

gauntlets, restrain cages, muzzles etc. are all available on request. As a general rule

most dogs at Scooby are amazingly well behaved, as you would expect from the

Greyhound breed Please note that Spain does not have human rabies.


Before travelling.

Please use the following crucial checklist!

Do you have your passport?

Do you have travel and medical insurance?

Do you have Euros?

Have you printed a copy of your Personal Emergency Form to keep with you?

Do you have details of your flights and hotel booking and all necessary tickets?

Have you packed your passion and enthusiasm?!

Scooby centre layout.

On your first day you will be shown around the whole centre and it will be explained how

we work. However, you will be required to restrict your activity to the green areas during

the rest of the week.

Access to other areas is not granted to visitors (unless accompained by a member of

staff) as it produces great distress to the animals and increases the risk of disease

dissemination.


Scooby/SAS Daily handling of patients. Every morning you will find the dogs selected by Scooby staff in the “Pick up” areas 1 & 2. These dogs will have been starved overnight.

Each team will choose the dogs from these areas and secure them on a lead collected from the entrance to the kitchen and toilet areas.

Pick up area (1)

Pick up area (2)


They should be taken to the Theatre area, where they will receive a physical exam, their microchip will be read and they will be weighed.

The dog’s details will be entered in the surgery list posted in the wall above the scales.

Scales

Leads


The dogs will be premedicated following the Tutor’s directions and placed in the recovery cages until premedication takes effect.

After surgery a blanket will be taken from the blankets store and placed in the recovery kennel leaving the anaesthesia sheet at the kennel door.

The team will be responsible for supervision of the patient until it is completely recovered from anaesthetic. Once they are satisfied that the patient is fit and to be returned to the pens, they will place a green card in the front of the cage to indicate to the staff that they can return it. Scooby staff will aim to collect the dogs from the recovery kennels at lunch time and take them to their pens. At lunch time Scooby staff will refill the pick up areas with the dogs for evening surgery. Evening surgery dogs will remain in the recovery kennels until the following morning. The operating team is responsible for their welfare until that time comes.


What if… …one of the dogs for surgery does NOT carry a microchip You must indicate it in the section “Notes” of the “Surgery list” and inform your course tutor of such eventuality so the dog can be correctly microchiped before being put back in the pen. …during the physical exam an illness or diesease is identified that renders that patient unsuitable for surgery You must indicate it in the section “Notes” of the “Surgery list”, draw a line across the section “Procedure” and inform your course tutor so it can be ensured that the patient receives the apropriate treatment and the team gets a new dog to be neutered. …during the physical exam an illness or disease is identified which allows the patient to be neutered You must indicate it in the section “Notes” of the “Surgery list” and inform your course tutor of such eventuality so it can be ensured that the patient gets the apropriate treatment. …you find out that the patient has already been neutered You must indicate it in the section “Notes” of the “Surgery list” and inform your course tutor of such eventuality so the dog’s records are updated and the team gets a new dog to be neutered. Note: Please remember that patients must be treated with utmost care and respect at all times, even when under anaesthesia.


Scooby/Spay Academy Spain rules.

Behaviour:

You must remember that even when you are in a foreign country you are still an MRCVS

and therefore you must work by the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct at all times.

Any behaviour that reflects badly on the profession should be avoided. In particular you

should avoid causing offence to your colleagues, members of staff, volunteers and

visitors to the rescue centre.

The illegal use of prohibited substances is not allowed at any time, but especially on the

Scooby premises. If such misuse is discovered or suspected, you may be asked to leave

without further warning. This document is formal warning of our policy.

Smoking:

Smoking will not be permitted in any of the buildings.

Alcohol:

Alcohol consumption before or during course hours is not permitted.

Accuracy and honesty:

Where drug usage or dose rates of drugs are concerned, accuracy is paramount. If you

are not absolutely sure of doses or instructions you must ask for confirmation from one

of your tutors.

Honesty is expected in all aspects of your work. This includes the admission of mistakes

or errors, of which everyone is guilty at some time. Admission will always be more

leniently considered than discovery of errors previously denied.

Cleanliness:

All delegates should take great care with their personal hygiene to avoid risk of

zoonotic diseases.

Regularly wash your hands, especially after handling animals, animal products

and drugs.

Use the protective clothing provided.

The centre should be kept clean at all times.

All floors should be kept free from litter, animal waste/blood and dirt.


Appropriate cleaning and disinfection should be carried out. Warn others of wet

floors.

Operating tables and kennels should be cleaned and disinfected between

patients.

Operating theatres should be thoroughly cleaned after use.

Smoking, is forbidden indoors.

Eating and drinking is forbidden in clinical areas and animal areas.

The dormitory, kitchen and shower room should be kept clean out of respect to

the other users.

Tidiness:

General

All floors should be kept clean and tidy at all times.

Equipment and drugs should be put away after use.

Operating theatre

An effort should be made at all times, including during busy operating sessions, to

ensure that items such as clippers, scissors, positioning aids and circuits are in the

appropriate place. At the conclusion of each operating session, please:

Clean and disinfect tables and surfaces.

Sweep and disinfect floor.

Put away all circuits, drugs, instruments and other items.

Store area

All stock to be kept in logical order.

Ensure products are stored in the correct place.

Meeting room

Keep chairs and tables clean and tidy.

Sweep floors after use.

Kitchen

It is essential that the area is kept clean and tidy for the benefit and comfort of

other members of staff and volunteers.

Keep chairs and tables clean and tidy.

Cups, plates and other utensils to be washed and left to drain.

Mop up spillages immediately.

Keep coffee, tea and biscuits in cupboards.

Tell a member of staff if the bin is full.


Fridge

Milk to be kept in fridge.

Perishable items to be kept in fridge.

No pathological specimens to be kept in fridge.

Kennels

The kennel area should always be neat and as clean as possible:

Immediately inform a member of staff if you notice soiled bedding or deceased pets

Ask for any spillages or accidents to be mopped up immediately

Disinfection:

All floors should be cleaned and disinfected daily with an appropriate floor disinfectant

Operating tables should be disinfected between patients with a viricidal agent

All disinfectants should be used at the recommended dilution levels. Remember that

some disinfectants can cause allergies and, if used at incorrect dilutions, may cause

unpleasant skin burns to both humans and animals.

Use disposable rubber gloves and suitable footwear.

Avoid leaving pools of water on the floor especially in animal areas where

disinfectants can cause burns/reactions on animals’ feet or skin.

Sterilisation procedures for surgery:

This centre has an autoclave facility.

The following items are sterilised by:

1. Autoclave

Instruments

Drapes

Gauzes

2. Cold sterilisation

Instruments occasionally or as emergency

Gowns, gloves and sutures are purchased already sterilised.


Anaesthetic gases:

Delegates should be aware of the potential risk to health posed by anaesthetic

gases.

Scavenging should be used at all times when gaseous anaesthesia is in use.

Anaesthetic gas scavenging is:

Passive charcoal absorbers (Aldosorb)

Use the correct flow rate of gases and keep duration of anaesthesia to a

minimum.

Use the correct size of endotracheal tube and always inflate cuff.

Procedure at the end of surgery

o Allow patient to breathe pure oxygen for one minute (or less if it starts to

wake up) at the end of surgery.

o Switch the fresh gas supply off before disconnecting the patient.

o Finally switch off the scavenger.

Fill vaporisers at the end of the operating period – ensure that the area is clear of

other people.

Avoid spillage of volatile anaesthetics.

Do not use anaesthetic for cleaning purposes.

If you are pregnant, it is important that you inform your tutors: this is for your own

safety and the information will be considered confidential. Every effort will be

made to minimise your exposure to anaesthetic gases.

Restricted areas:

Scooby sits in a 90,000 sq. meters plot of land of which more than 90% is dedicated to

shelter different animal species. You must remember that the very reason for the

existence of the centre is to protect the welfare of animals. It is therefore paramount that

you do not enter the areas dedicated to animals unless accompanied by a member of

staff, in order to avoid undue stress and to minimise the risk of dissemination of

infectious diseases.

Green areas, as aforementioned = you are free to move

Blue areas = must only be accessed when accompanied by a member of staff


Handling and treatment of animals:

Animals must be treated with utmost respect at all times, even under

anaesthesia.

If you find it difficult to handle a certain animal you must ask for help.

No unnecessary procedures are to be carried on any animals.

No experimental procedures are to be carried on any animals.

You must not cause any unnecessary pain or stress to any animals.

Remember that you must always act under the RCVS Code of Professional

Conduct.

Animals must be always carried in such way as to prevent escape


Scooby/Spay Academy Spain health and safety.

Although you will be in a different country, bound by different legislation, you must

remember that health and safety is there to protect YOU, as well as others around you.

Here we have outlined a number of rules and procedures that should help in protecting

you and those around you.

It is likely that situations will arise that will not have been contemplated in this manual. In

that case we advise you to act on the side of caution, use common sense and inform

your course tutor of any issues.

IN CASE OF FIRE:

1. Raise the alarm and warn everyone in the building to evacuate immediately and

to assemble in the assemby point near the car park (see diagrams below).

2. Inform as many members of staff as possible so they can call the fire brigade

3. If it is safe to do so, and only if the fire is of a minor nature:

Evacuate all animals

Isolate the fire by closing doors

Use the extinguishers to put out the fire

4. At all times remember:

Have regard for your own safety and for the safety of others in the building

The fire extinguishers are to help assist in the evacuation procedure

In case of electrical fires, isolate the electrical supply before attempting to

fight the fire and use only the appropriate extinguishers. Water extinguishers

should never be used with electrical fires.



Risk Assessments.

This section covers the widest range of potential risk that could be incurred

through SAS courses in the forseeable future, however, only a number of the

following will be applicable to students parktaking in the standard neutering

course.

Risk Assessment – Anaesthetic Gases

Hazards: toxicity.

Persons at risk: staff.

Local Rules

1. These rules should be read in conjunction with the more detailed guidance

given in the center COSSH manual.Use closed circuit anaesthesia

wherever possible.

2. Use endotracheal tubes of correct size and with cuff suitably inflated. All

cuffs to be checked before tube is put away, and tube discarded if cuff is

faulty. Inform your course tutor of any discarded material/equipment that

needs to be replaced.

3. If semi-closed technique is used, flow rates must be kept as low as possible

within the practical range of the proper functioning of the circuit.

4. If face masks are used they must be close-fitting.

5. Scavenging tubing should be connected at all times.

6. At the end of surgery, allow the patient to breathe pure oxygen for one

minute, then switch the fresh gas supply off before disconnecting the

patient, and finally switch off the scavenger

7. Vapourisers must be filled at the end of an operating session, not the

beginning, using the closed filling system.

8. All spills should be cleaned up immediately as specified in the center

COSSH manual.

9. When not in use, anaesthetic machines must be switched off, ie, the gas

cylinder valve closed and the vapouriser set to off.

10. While not actually connected to the patient, eg when changing circuits, the

gas flow should be switched off.

11. Use mask and gloves when changing soda lime. Flush through with oxygen

before use with patient. Ensure correct placement of soda lime canister.

12. Report any suspect faults or leaks from the anaesthetic equipment to your

course tutor as soon as practicable.

13. Anaesthetic substances must not be used for the disinfection or cleansing

of skin, apparatus or surface materials


Risk Assessment – Work Equipment - Autoclave

Hazards: burns, scalds, electrocution.

Persons at risk: staff, visitors.

Local Rules

1. No person should attempt to operate the autoclave unless they are

fully familiar with the manufacturer’s operating instructions and

follow them exactly.

2. Visitors to the center’s surgycal area (eg. company representatives,

workmen, students on Work Experience) should be warned that the

autoclave may be extremely hot and should not be touched.

3. No person should attempt to open or otherwise interfere with the

autoclave when it is part way through its cycle.

4. Do not attempt to remove items from the autoclave unless you are

quite sure that they are cool enough to handle safely.

5. If the autoclave seems to have gone wrong or you have made a

mistake in its operation, do not attempt to correct it yourself but

switch the autoclave off at the wall and contact your course tutor

immediately.

6. The autoclave must be serviced by a competent person at intervals

of 12 months.

7. As a pressure vessel, the autoclave must be inspected by a

competent person according to a Written Scheme of Inspection at

least annually.

8. As an item of electrical equipment, the autoclave must receive a

formal visual electrical safety inspection by Scooby’s Safety Officer

at least every two years.


Risk Assessment – Restraint of Animals

Hazards: bites, kicks, scratches, trampling, crush injuries, also exposure to zoonotic

pathogens.

Persons at risk: staff, visitors, volunteers, other animals.

Local Rules – Small Animals

All animals must be suitably restrained to ensure their own safety and that of visitors,

staff and volunteers.

1. Runs

Only suitably trained persons (staff) are allowed to take animals to and

from the runs.

All dogs should be on a short lead.

Muzzles should be worn if required.

Cats should be in escape-proof boxes (provide cat basket if necessary).

Do not handle dangerous animals without first taking precautions for

safety. Ask staff to put cats in baskets. Request staff to put leads, and if

necessary muzzles, on dogs and ensure that collars are sufficiently tight

to prevent escape.

If an animal is felt to be threatening, request the staff to remain outside/in

a spare room/another designated area until another veterinary surgeon is

ready to help you with the animal.

2. Theatres

Remember that staff are available to help you hold animals if needed.

3. Kennels

The safety of the volunteers and staff is paramount.

i. Dogs

o Should be restrained by slip leads/choke chains

o Use tapes/muzzles if temperament is doubtful

o Dogs should be premedicated where appropriate

o In extreme circumstances, use the dogcatcher

o If in any doubt about your ability to handle a particular dog,

get help.

ii. Cats

1. Should be given a premedicant where appropriate.

iii. Wire baskets should be used to transfer animals.

iv. A crush cage should be used for control of vicious animals or, if

absolutely necessary, the catcher.

v. If in any doubt about your ability to handle a particular cat, get

help.


vi. Under no circumstances should a conscious cat be carried free in

the arms from one room to another. It must always be examined

in a closed room and placed in a basket or other suitable container

when it is moved from one area to another.

Under no circumstances should risks be taken when dealing with potentially aggressive

animals. If in doubt about your ability to handle a particular animal seek advice or help

from the veterinary surgeon in charge of the case or from another staff member.


Risk Assessment – Protective Clothing

Hazards: exposure to injury, physical or chemical irritants, exposure to pathogens or

allergens.

Persons at risk: staff.

Local Rules

The following protective clothing is available for use by staff and should be utilised

appropriately:

Theatre/prep room

Gowns

Masks

Surgical gloves

Plastic aprons

Safety goggles

Sterile ops should use: gowns or surgical tops and surgical gloves

Dentals should use surgical tops, masks and goggles.

Kennels

Plastic aprons

Plastic gloves

Laboratory

Laboratory coat / plastic apron

Gloves

Masks

Safety goggles

Care of protective clothing:

All items of protective clothing should be checked before use, for example that

there are no holes in gloves and no cracks in lead aprons.

Any defects found should be reported to management immediately and the item

should not be used until the defect has been remedied.

Disposable protective clothing should be disposed of in the clinical waste bin

immediately after use.

Staff should avoid direct contact with:

Cadavers

Infected or contaminated material

pharmaceutical products in certain categories e.g. cyclophosphamide,

dacarbazine, vincristine, griseofulvin, mitotane

Used syringes and needles


Special instructions:

Staff should avoid inhalation of fumes, dust and spray, especially when refilling

with soda lime or handling containers of formalin.

When staff are using the dental scaler, masks and goggles must be worn.

When staff are using the cryosurgery unit, gloves must be worn.


Risk Assessment – Slips, Trips and Falls

Hazards: physical injury, may be severe.

Persons at risk: staff and clients.

The most common cause of injuries at work is the slip or trip. Resulting falls can be

serious. It is a particularly important subject if members of the public use your premises.

Assess the following:

Local Rules

1. Clean spills up immediately. If a liquid is greasy ensure a suitable cleaning agent

is used. After cleaning the floor may be wet for some time. Use appropriate signs

to tell people the floor is still wet and arrange alternative bypass routes.

2. Trailing cables. Position equipment to avoid cables crossing pedestrian routes,

use cable covers to securely fix to surfaces, restrict access to prevent contact.

3. Miscellaneous rubbish, for example plastic bags. Keep areas clear, remove

rubbish and do not allow to build up.

4. Rugs/mats. Ensure mats are securely fixed and do not have curling edges.

5. Slippery surfaces. Assess the cause and treat accordingly, for example treat

chemically, appropriate cleaning method etc.

6. Change from wet to dry floor surface. Ensure suitable footwear is worn, warn of

risks by using signs, locate doormats where these changes are likely.

7. Poor lighting. Improve lighting levels and placement of light fittings to ensure

more even lighting of all floor areas.

8. Changes of level. Improve lighting, add apparent tread nosing and/or warning

signs.

9. Slopes. Improve visibility, provide hand rails, use floor markings.

10. Smoke/steam obscuring view. Eliminate or control by redirecting it away from risk

areas; improve ventilation and warn of it.

11. Unsuitable footwear. Workers must ensure they choose suitable footwear,

particularly with the correct type of sole.


Risk Assessment – Veterinary Medicines/Pharmaceuticals

Hazards: toxic, irritant or allergic reactions.

Persons at risk: staff, clients and animals.

Local Rules

1. These rules should be read in conjunction with the more detailed guidance given

in the practice COSSH manual.

2. No trainee, volunteer or Work Experience student should handle any veterinary

medicinal product unless specifically instructed to do so by a member of staff.

3. Always wash your hands after handling any veterinary medicinal product and

before eating, drinking or leaving the premises.

4. All spills of liquid or powdered veterinary medicinal products should be cleaned

up immediately as specified in the practice COSSH manual for that particular

drug.

5. Any spilt tablets must be located and either returned to the bottle or disposed of

in the DOOP bin.

6. It is mandatory to use personal protective equipment as specified in the practice

COSSH manual for the products for which this is necessary. Make sure you know

which these are. If in doubt, always check.

7. On no account must any veterinary medicinal product be left unlabelled. This

applies to syringes containing injectable products as well as to bottles of tablets.

8. All pharmaceuticals should be stored in a clean and tidy fashion in the dispensary

with the exception of Controlled Drugs, which are to be stored in the Controlled

Drugs cabinet.

9. Pharmaceuticals are to be subject to stock control and stock rotation.

10. Out of date products and unwanted medicines:

These products are subject to disposal under Spanish regulations

Any medicines that fall into this category must be collected in the

designated DOOP box in dispensary.

The drug name and approximate quantity (if liquid) and exact quantity

(tablets) must be logged in the computer record.

11. Storage and dispensing

Medicinal products should be stored in conditions recommended by the

manufacturer.

Storage at the correct temperature is recommended.

Certain products should be protected from light, and should be stored in a

box or cupboard out of direct sunlight.

Flammable liquids - e.g. meths and surgical spirit - should be kept in a

metal container if there is a considerable amount being stored (more than

5 litres).

Prescription-only products are to be dispensed only when authorised by a

vet.


Prescription-only products are to be dispensed only to animals under our

care (3 month rule). Or when a prescription is produced.

Tablets and capsules must be dispensed in child-proof containers; it is

permissible to place tablets in foil packs in the appropriate envelope.

All containers must be labelled correctly and legibly with:

o Name and address of client

o Name and address of practice

o Date of dispensing

o KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN

o FOR ANIMAL TREATMENT ONLY

o The words "for external use only" for topical preparations

o Name and quantity of product and its strength

o Directions for use

12. Controlled drugs

Schedule 2 drugs

The following Schedule 2 drugs are kept in the practice: (None)These are kept in

the Controlled Drugs cabinet. The keys are to be held by the Veterinary Surgeon.

All Schedule 2 drugs must be recorded immediately in the Controlled Drug

Register as in the document under section 8.3.

Schedule 3 drugs

The Schedule 3 drugs in the practice are: Phenobarbitone. This practice operates

a policy of keeping all Schedule 3 drugs locked in the Controlled Drugs Cupboard

and requests that staff log their use in the register. Note that invoices must be

kept for two years.

Schedule 4 drugs

Schedule 4 drugs include butorphanol, most of the benzodiazepines (temazepam

is now in Schedule 3), and androgenic and anabolic steroids (e.g. clenbuterol).

These drugs are exempted from control when used in normal veterinary practice -

our policy is to keep them a cupboard.

Schedule 5 drugs

Includes preparations (such as several codeine products) which, because of their

strength, are exempt from virtually all Controlled Drug requirements other than

the retention of invoices for two years.

Documents

Spay Academy Spain Welcome Pack · PDF file© Copyright 2016 Luis Sainz-Pardo. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted