Reporting to the RCVS

Re: Reporting to the RCVS

Lee484 — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:21:20 GMT

Hi,

Never a nice a situation to be in:( My view is that if an animals safety or welfare is at serious risk while under our care then we shouldn't turn a blind eye. Also, if you think your being asked to do things that go against our code of conduct, and you do them, then you put your registered (if your an RVN) status at risk if something does go wrong.

You could contact the RCVS and just ask for advice to start with, without mentioning names. They may be able to help you further in approaching the practice before making it official - reporting to the RCVS is traumatic for everyone involved so it should be the last resort, but patient welfare should come first in my opinion.

Sorry I cant give advice regarding the process, I hope things work out.

Re: Reporting to the RCVS

Celine — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:26:00 GMT

Sounds like a tricky one but just wanted to add -

If you can provide them with the solution first - ie I noticed that we were doing this and don't think it's right, but I thought of how we could do things differently, here is the answer to your problem, then people are generally more likely to accept a change.

If just presented with the problem "You shouldn't be doing things like that" then it is all a bit too hard and no-one wants to try.

Mind you, to your credit it sounds like you have tried the former approach, so I guess contacting the RCVS is the next step - have you also thought of outlining all your concerns (and possible solutions!) in a letter and sending to the practice principal / manager? harder to ignore?

Sorry, you don't need us all telling you how to suck eggs but I guess we are all a bit unsure how much help the RCVS will ultimately be and you have a better chance of driving change from an "on the ground" situation. Many of us have worked in practices that sound similar to this one, and I agree - it's frustrating, and dispiriting and unfortunately very difficult to effect a change. Best of luck.

Re: Reporting to the RCVS

Sal the 1st — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:57:28 GMT

change can happen - but trying to change things quickly is less likely to achieve a happy outcome. Changes happen by degrees usually and I am guessing you haven't been there too long. If the practice hasnt changed in 10yrs then it has found something that works for them. Every practice is different and every practice does things differently.

Re: Reporting to the RCVS

Ariana Gooderham — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 13:10:04 GMT

Hi,

Have handed my notice in with 6 weeks until i leave.

I did try to voice my concerns and talk about alternatives etc but they dont want to change or even listen!

However much i try i dont think they will change which will be a real shame to all involved. The RCVS are due to visit next month for an inspection, will check out their website and see if they have any further advice re protecting animal welfare etc.

Thanks for your help.

Re: Reporting to the RCVS

Alia — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:27:07 GMT

I agree with Sal, speak to the practice first. Rarely do things change if 'that's how it's always been done' (have been there before!!) but can you implement the changes to them? It might not be that they are being careless for instance but for someone to make a change, and say why might just be what they need. If the practice/staff are seen to be doing something that counts as gross misconduct then by all means look at the RCVS site for what to do about it. However you may find that speaking to the practice works effectively. If not, and you are there temporarily, are you in a position to just leave?

Re: Reporting to the RCVS

Sal the 1st — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:05:59 GMT

re reporting - just go to the rcvs website and follow their guidelines

but wouldnt it be much better for everybody if you raised your concerns with the practice first.