Who do vets answer to?

benson21

benson21

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If i had a complaint to make about a vet, who do i complain to? I have written to RCVS and they say they have no juristriction over the manner a vet done a vetting on a horse that I have purchased, of which I feel he missed alot of the vetting out.
 
I just copied this off the RCVS website -

Claims for negligence may be resolved between the client and veterinary surgeon, sometimes with the involvement of the veterinary surgeon’s professional indemnity insurers, for example, the Veterinary Defence Society. If not, the claim may be taken to the civil courts, where any facts in dispute are decided by the court on the ‘balance of
probabilities’. The civil courts will adjudicate on the claim of negligence and may award
compensation or damages.
5) The RCVS has no jurisdiction to adjudicate on claims of negligence and no powers to
award compensation

Full document is here - http://www.rcvs.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=89916&int1stParentNodeID=89644

Hope this helps.
 
I'd say the VDS, though your first port of call should really be discussing it with the vet in question to a) hear their side of the story, and b) warn them of your intentions. It's not very fair going behind a vet's back, and all I will say is you have the potential to completely end that vet's career and life as they know it, so just be 100% sure you need to take it to that level before you go ahead. Sometimes these matters can be sorted out between you and the practice - ask to speak to the senior partner.
 
It sounds that you are alleging professional negligence. In the first instance you should write to the vet involved and raise your concerns. They will pass this on to their professional indemnity insurer (usually but not always the VDS). The insurer will take a view that either they agree the vet was negligent in which case they will offer some form of financial settlement or dispute negligence in which case the onus is on you to prove this in a court of law.
 
I would say first port of call: contact the practice/partners. They may have a formal complaints system in their practice meaning it will be handled that way.
If they then dismiss it/you feel it was mis handled then I think the VDS are the next people to talk to, but I would give the veterinary practice the respect etc to talk to them first..... the vet may be able to explain to you what he/she did and why and this might totaly change your outlook on the situation!

Although do be aware that the VDS also provide legal support for the vets as well!! It will be put before the RCVS (if I understand correctly, although being suggested negligence it may be different) and they may take it as a court case or dismiss it as acceptable practice by the vet...

its a tricky situation but id say first go to the vets to ask for an explanation/advice as to how to put in a formal complaint.
 
you should complain to the vet involved directly. they will get in contact with the VDS and then the VDS will handle the case directly with you. the RCVS are only in charge of professional misconduct, not gross negligence - this is for the VDS to decide, although they basically are our lawyers so kind of on our side. However, I have successfully got money out of them for a vet missing a sarcoid on a vetting I got done a few yrs back (I'm not a horse vet so wanted a proper vetting done). Not sure if it was easier getting money out of them because I am a vet, although it still wasn't easier - I had to haggle!
 
depends on what you think was missed? and what evidence you have? first port of call would be the vet practise itself, but remember the vetting is only valid at the time day and date of vetting! if it goes lame the next day or colics tough! they only vet what they see, that is presented at that time of day, date etc. bloods offer a small back up if you pay for them to be run, but at the end of the day you are paying for a proffessional opinion which cannot really guarantee against defects or changes in circumstances and living arrangements or the horses individual temperament.
 
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