Introduction To Troytown Equine Hospital For Veterinary Students And Visiting Interns

Welcome to Troytown Equine Hospital. We aim to make your stay with us a pleasant and worthwhile experience.

Please Remember

  1. At Troytown Equine Hospital, we work together as a team. Every one of us, no matter how short their stay, is responsible for contributing to the positive morale and effectiveness of the team.
  2. Discretion and confidentiality are paramount and must be maintained at all times. The privacy of practice and client affairs must never be discussed outside the hospital.
  3. First impressions are important, and all clients and visitors should be treated with courtesy and respect.
  4. Neat and clean presentation at all times.
  5. No smoking in the barn.

Working Hours

The basic hospital hours are as follows

Weekdays 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
Weekends 8:30 am to 1:00 pm

Working hours may be flexible, and WE EXPECT STUDENT HELP TO BE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY. You are at the hospital to learn all that you can, so we encourage you to see all surgeries and procedures that take place in the hospital. You are expected to take part in night duties and emergencies. You may be given a paging unit and you are advised to leave your accommodation telephone number. Please feel free to ask questions regarding cases when the consultations with the owner have been completed. If you wish to use any cases for case reports we will try to facilitate you whenever possible.

All students and interns are expected to become actively involved in every aspect of the work in the hospital. This will include assisting with treatments, x-rays and ROUTINE CLEANING OF THE THEATRE AND BARN (including 'mucking out' when the occasion arises).

General Hygiene

  1. Cleaning is an ongoing responsibility; everywhere must be kept as clean as possible at all times. EVERYBODY PITCHES IN! Following all procedures (e.g. surgery, minor surgeries, scanning and endoscopy), the equipment should be cleared away immediately and you should do this or help the nurses to do it.
  2. Dispose of all waste and consumable disposables immediately in their correct receptables. All recyclable objects and sharps should be placed in the appropriate receptacles. No sharps should be left accessible to the public.
  3. Follow strictly the procedures shown to you when handling isolation horses. NEVER LEAVE THE BOX OF ONE OF THESE ANIMALS WITHOUT CLEANING UP. REMOVE OVERALLS, DIP FEET AND WASH HANDS BEFORE ATTENDING TO ANOTHER ANIMAL.
  4. Please wear footwear, which is clean and can withstand immersion into antiseptic solutions.

Breaks

All breaks are to be taken in the tea room, and please tidy up after yourself. Never sit around in any other area of the hospital - remember - 'first impressions'.   No student is to go 'on call' with any vet unless they check first with the resident vet and nurses if there is any work that needs to be done in the hospital.

Telephone
All personal mobile phones must be switched off while in the hospital.

Radiation Safety
All aspects of radiation safety that you have learned in college apply in practice too. In particular, students should wear gloves and gowns when assisting with the taking of radiographs. The gowns and gloves should be stored neatly to ensure that they are not damaged.

Only the minimum number of personnel should be in the x-ray area at any one time. Pregnant women and children younger than 16 should not be in the radiography room at any time.

The partners view safety as absolutely paramount for all staff, clients and visitors to the hospital. Consequently, anybody found disregarding these recommendations or acting in contravention to the safety statement and endangering themselves or others will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.

  • Whilst you are a visitor at our hospital, we expect you to treat every member of our team and clients with respect and courtesy. The positive contributions you make during your stay will be both noted and appreciated.
  • At any stage during your stay, please feel free to discuss any difficulties or problems you may encounter with any member of staff. You know what they say about a problem shared! Failure to observe the above guidelines may result in your being asked to leave.
  • Anybody wishing to see practice again should book well in advance and you can hopefully be given priority.

Useful Links

Veterinary Ireland
British Equine Veterinary Association
Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association
Horse Racing Ireland
The Curragh Racecourse
International Federation for Equestrian Sports

Thank you for your interest

Warren Schofield, Hugh Dillon, Michael Sadlier