Mock Paper - (primarily) Whistle Blowing

Under which Act of legislation does the docking of dogs’ tails over the age of 5 days contravene?

Considering this Act of legislation, which of the puppies’ needs will be likely compromised as a result of the tail docking?

Answer explanation

The need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease

OR The need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns (wagging tail)

One mark for right need - one mark for exact layout

As a registered veterinary nurse, you have a duty of care to others. In the above scenario, who is your moral duty of care to?

Answer explanation

The Animal - as this directly relates to your actions protecting the animal from harm in relation to the Animal Welfare act. You are prioritising the animal over the client and the veterinary team.

In relation to the above scenario, identify and explain THREE of your professional responsibilities as defined in the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses, and outline what your considerations as the veterinary nurse would be in relation to the consequences for all of the different stakeholders:  

[ 9 marks] 

Answer explanation

• (1) for identifying animals 

 

• (1) for identifying ONE of the following COPC points, full wording not required as long as general points included: 

 

• 1.1  Veterinary nurses must make animal health and welfare their first consideration when attending to animals. 

• 1.6  Veterinary nurses must communicate with veterinary surgeons and each other to ensure the health and welfare of the animal or group of animals. 

• (1) for explaining in relation to the identified COPC points the potential consequences: 

 

• 1.1  explaining that by docking the puppies tails at 2 weeks old will breach the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and result in a failure to meet the need to protect from pain, suffering, injury and disease which could lead to criminal investigation and prosecution 

• 1.6  explaining that continuing with the procedure after you have communicated your concerns with the VS would lead to contravening the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which could lead to criminal investigation and prosecution 

 

 

• (1) for identifying clients 

 

• (1) for identifying ONE of the following COPC points, full wording not required as long as general points included: 

 

• 2.1  Veterinary nursing must be open and honest with clients and respect their needs and requirements 

• 2.2  Veterinary nurses must provide independent and impartial advice and inform a client of any conflict of interest 

• 2.6  Veterinary nurses must not disclose information about a client or the client’s animals to a third party, unless the client gives permission or animal welfare or the public interest may be compromised 

 

• (1) for explaining in relation to the identified COPC points the potential consequences: 

 

• 2.1 the a VN must be open and honest and respect the clients needs and requirements but expand to include by being part of the procedure, she herself would be contravening legislation and causing unnecessary pain and suffering to the puppies 

 

• 2.2 as the VN you must not be convinced to ‘turn a blind eye’ to inflicting or being witness to infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering, and therefore you should identify this as a conflict of interest to the owner as the consequences may lead to criminal investigation and prosecution 

• 2.6  explain that VNs must not disclose information about a client or the client’s animals to a third party, unless the client gives permission or animal welfare or the public interest may be compromised.  If the procedure continues then you may disclose this information in relation to breaching the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which may lead to a criminal investigation and prosecution 

 

 

• (1) for identifying the profession 

 

• (1) for identifying ONE of the following COPC points, full wording not required as long as general points included: 

• 3.2  Veterinary nurses who are concerned about a professional colleague’s fitness to practise must take steps to ensure that animals are not put at risk and that the interests of the public are protected 

• (1) for explaining in relation to the identified COPC points the potential consequences: 

• 3.2  The VN raised concerns with the VS directly regarding the procedure, who’s response was to ‘turn a blind eye’.  As the VNs concerns were not considered then the VN should raise her concerns internally observing any interal whistle blowing protocol.  This could cause friction within the workplace between the VN and the VS in question 

 

 

• (1) for identifying the veterinary team 

• (1) for identifying ONE of the following COPC points, full wording not required as long as general points included: 

• 4.2  Veterinary nurses must ensure that tasks are delegated only to those who have the appropriate competence and registration. 

• (1) for explaining in relation to the identified COPC points the potential consequences: 

• 4.2  The VN would be allowed to implant the microchips into the puppies under the VS direction, however, as she has raised concerns about the procedure and the legalities she should refuse to be part.  By continuing and being involved in the process she will be accessory to the breach of legislation 

• (1) for identifying the public 

 

• (1) for identifying ONE of the following COPC points, full wording not required as long as general points included: 

• 6.1  Veterinary nurses must seek to ensure the protection of public health and animal health and welfare, and must consider the impact of their actions on the environment. 

• 6.4  Veterinary nurses must comply with legislation relevant to the provision of veterinary services. 

• 6.5  Veterinary nurses must not engage in any activity or behaviour that would be likely to bring the profession into disrepute or undermine public confidence in the profession. 

• (1) for explaining in relation to the identified COPC points the potential consequences: 

• 6.1  The VN must consider the impact of the procedure on the puppies and the likely breach of animal welfare, and therefore should take the relevant steps to prevent the procedure from occurring which may cause client dissatisfaction and complaint, as well as conflict within the workplace 

• 6.4  The VN must ensure to comply with relevant legislation.  Although she has only been asked to implant the microchips, she is aware of the proposed illegal procedure and therefore accessory.  This may lead to criminal investigation and prosecution, as well as disciplinary action from the RCVS conduct department 

• 6.5  The VN must not engage in any activity or behaviour that would be likely to bring the profession into disrepute or undermine the profession, by allowing the procedure to continue unlawfully could lead to a criminal investigation and prosecution, as well as disciplinary action from the RCVS conduct department.  This could be identified to the public and bring the profession as a whole into disrepute due to the ‘turning a blind eye’ to criminal activities, particularly one that involves compromising the welfare of animals by a VS 

The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses, Section 20, provides guidance as to the process for discussing this matter outside of the conversation with Sam. What is the industry-accepted term for this process?

Answer explanation

The term for the process is whistle-blowing - this relates to someone WITHIN the industry speaking out about some immoral/illegal activity within that same industry.

Which of the following stages and processes would you follow to try and resolve a matter, considering the potential consequences of your actions at each stage?

Answer explanation

(1) Encourage an internal resolution 

 

(1) mark for a correct summary including the below: 

• Speak to Sam in the initial stages and outline your concerns  

• If unsatisfactory outcome, approach the manager for a resolution 

• Ensure to observe any internal whistle blowing procedures 

• If matter not resolved consider the next step (as per below) 

(1) Potential consequence:  Tension in the workplace 

 

(1) Report the matter to the RCVS Professional Conduct Department 

 

(1) mark for a correct summary including the below: 

-      It is likely that the VN will be asked to submit a formal complaint 

-      Need to consider that the RCVS may be unable fully to investigate anonymous complaints and be prepared to provide evidence to support your allegations 

-      If you were still unsatisfied that the matter still remained unresolved the next would be (as per below) 

(1) Potential consequence:  possibly needing to act as a witness for the RCVS Discipline committee which could cause tensions at work 

 

(1)  Go public 

(1) mark for a correct summary including the below: 

-      It is recommended that independent legal advice is sought prior to proceeding 

-     Protection may be granted to the individual under The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 

-     Current employment may be affected  

-     Consider assistance from a trade union or similar organisation 

(1) Potential consequence:  loss of job 

Identify TWO organisations where you are able to seek advice and support prior to raising concerns to the RCVS Professional Conduct Department or going public

Answer explanation

1) mark each for any TWO of the below:

British Veterinary Association (BVA)

British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) http://www.bvna.org.uk/

RSPCA

Citizens Advice Bureau

Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)

The Law Society

Veterinary Defence Society

RSPCA

British Veterinary Union