Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Darina Lawton

Rufford,Lancs

Summary

A highly experienced MRCVS with over 30 years in both independent and corporate veterinary practice, as a small animal first opinion veterinary surgeon and clinical director. Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the UK veterinary market and its current challenges. Skilled in building professional relationships across various departments and external bodies such as VDS and RCVS. Proven leadership in managing large teams, organising meetings, and drafting practice protocols. Recently expanded expertise to include equine department management, enhancing knowledge of equine veterinary work. Committed to effective communication, dependable service, and maintaining high ethical standards.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
2029
2029
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Clinical Director

Rufford Veterinary Group (IVC Evidensia)
Rufford, Lancashire
05.2022 - Current
  • Ensure that staff are given appropriate leadership, guidance, development and appraisal. Conduct performance reviews for staff development and progression planning purposes.
  • Set the clinical objectives aligned with IVC Clinical Guidelines. Assist in developing and implementing clinical protocols to enhance patient care standards. Ensure clinical staff achieve expected standards of clinical and financial performance.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address patient needs, improve service delivery and ensure smooth running of the practice.
  • Liaise with Area Director and Area Support Manager. Attend and participate in IVC meetings- local, area, regional and national.
  • Participate in staff training sessions to ensure adherence to clinical guidelines and best practices. Organise and run practice meetings/significant event meetings.
  • Support data collection and analysis to monitor clinical outcomes and identify areas for improvement.
  • Coordinate with external agencies to facilitate referrals and ensure seamless patient transitions eg. Vets Now OOH provider..
  • Streamline clinic operations by implementing efficient care delivery systems.
  • Take responsibility for financial performance of the practice, Work towards annual budgets to meet operational needs within financial targets.
  • Ensure all Health and Safety policies are adhered to
  • Ensure all company policies and procedures are followed.
  • Be responsible for the clinical staff rotas including out of hours' provision to meet legal and professional responsibilities.
  • Follow IVC Marketing guidelines. Work with central marketing initiatives and introduce local marketing strategies .
  • Ensure the practice complies with current Data Protection Legislation.
  • Ensure practice achieves and maintains RCVS Practice Standards Scheme registration, including reviewing and implementing practice protocols, pre-visit preparation, communicating with nominated inspector before , during and after visit.
  • Comply with the legal obligations in relation to prescription, safe keeping and supply of Veterinary medicinal products.
  • Ensure that all client complaints are handled sensitively and in accordance with the IVC Complaints Policy. Liaise with VDS for guidance handling complaints. Liaise with RCVS for advice.
  • Promote wellbeing within the practice.
  • Apply and follow all IVC policies and procedures relating to HR.
  • Liaise with Employment Advisory Service (EAS) with employee relations issue, ensuring the IVC HR system is used for the management of all HR and personnel matters.
  • Implement appropriate and regular communication to ensure all staff are engaged and are kept updated, sharing central communications with the teams and drafting and sending internal communications.
  • Recruit, manage and discipline staff in accordance with IVC policies and procedures. Interview new members of staff and perform inductions. Review pay of all staff on an annual basis in accordance with IVC policy. Ensure appraisals are actioned for staff at least annually.
  • Ensure that Vets and Nurses carry out appropriate CPD to develop themselves and the practice. Liaise with pharmaceutical companies to provide in house training. Create awareness within team of relevant CPD with regular communications and sharing information about courses. Arrange group membership to CPD providers.
  • Attend school careers days, school visits, judge local fun dog shows to strengthen bonds with local community.
  • Support new graduate vets and nurses in the workplace


Veterinary surgeon

Rufford Vet Group (formerly Hey and Greenwood)
Rufford, Lancashire
03.1991 - 05.2022
  • Conducted thorough examinations to diagnose and treat various animal health issues.
  • Administered anaesthesia and monitored patients during surgical procedures to ensure safety.
  • Collaborated with veterinary nurses to develop and implement comprehensive treatment plans.
  • Performed routine vaccinations and health checks to maintain animal wellbeing, educated pet owners about preventative care.
  • Managed medical records and maintained accurate documentation of treatments and procedures.
  • Assisted in training and mentoring new grad vets within practice.
  • Utilised diagnostic tools and techniques to improve accuracy of assessments.
  • Cooperated with veterinary nurses and reception team for smooth practice operations.
  • Liaised effectively with other professionals in the veterinary field.
  • Delivered compassionate end-of-life care .
  • Demonstrated adaptability whilst handling diverse caseloads in a busy practice setting.
  • Showcased good communication skills when discussing diagnoses and treatment options with clients.
  • Responded promptly to emergency calls during out-of-office hours, displaying dedication towards duty.
  • Complied strictly with ethical standards in all aspects of veterinary practice.
  • Kept abreast of latest veterinary research for optimal patient care delivery.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry developments and emerging technologies to support top-quality care.
  • Supervised clinic staff and coordinated workflow to reduce patient wait times.

Veterinary surgeon

Chesworth and Cameron
Rochdale, Greater Manchester
09.1990 - 03.1991
  • Performed thorough examinations to diagnose and treat a diverse range of animal health issues.
  • Developed and implemented specialised treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.
  • Collaborated with veterinary nurses and support staff to ensure seamless patient care and clinic operations.
  • Educated pet owners on preventative care and post-operative recovery to promote animal wellbeing.
  • Conducted surgical procedures with precision while maintaining a sterile environment to minimise infection risks.
  • Diagnosed various animal diseases through meticulous observation and testing.
  • Administered vaccinations and preventive treatments to maintain optimal animal health.
  • Collaborated with veterinary support staff to ensure smooth clinic operations.
  • Provided timely call-out service, facilitating swift, effective animal care in emergency situations.

Education

MVB - Veterinary Medicine

University College Dublin
Dublin
09.1985 - 06.1990

OCQ(V)-CA -

ISVPS

Skills

  • As an MRCVS with over 30 years experience working in an independent practice and corporate practice as small animal first opinion veterinary surgeon and clinical director, and recently involved in managing the equine department, I have gained a deep understanding of the UK veterinary markets and challenges faced currently by veterinary professionals
  • I enjoy working with different people and my role has involved me building professional working relationships with personnel in different departments and areas within the practice locally, and IVC, in addition to liaising with external bodies such as VDS and RCVS
  • I am a skilled communicator with good interpersonal skills and though I am happy working as part of a team I am highly self motivated and also capable of working alone
  • I have experience managing a large team and am confident organising and chairing meetings
  • I am dependable, reliable and honest
  • I have strong writing skills and am involved with drafting responses to client complaints, in addition to drafting practice protocols and communicating by email with different departments within IVC (eg IT, Digital, Privacy, Clinical Board), pharmaceutical companies and colleagues
  • Though I practiced as a small animal vet, since our equine CD stepped down last year I have been closely involved with management of the equine department and have gained more in depth knowledge about equine veterinary work

Accomplishments

Mental Health First Aid Certificate holder

Timeline

Clinical Director

Rufford Veterinary Group (IVC Evidensia)
05.2022 - Current

Veterinary surgeon

Rufford Vet Group (formerly Hey and Greenwood)
03.1991 - 05.2022

Veterinary surgeon

Chesworth and Cameron
09.1990 - 03.1991

MVB - Veterinary Medicine

University College Dublin
09.1985 - 06.1990

OCQ(V)-CA -

ISVPS

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Darina Lawton