Sorry people - PDSA client rant

RE: Sorry people - PDSA client rant

Tania Ford — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 18:50:00 GMT

I have been frustrated with the PDSA system for decades and think that there are better ways of helping people, who through no fault of their own, find themselves in need of charity. Working in an area that has no PDSA clinic/hospital, we see clients regularly that are registered with the PDSA. I have on many occasions heard clients say that its not that they cannot afford treatment, but that because they are on the correct benefits they are 'entitled to it' and will use it whenever they like. I think a better way to run would be that vets give their time and services free of charge and the client pays for their medication/consumables etc. This would at least make them aware of how much things cost and they would be contributing something to their pets treatment. So far as im concerned neutering and vaccinations should be a must before any registration is agreed also!

RE: Sorry people - PDSA client rant

Sal the 1st — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 20:06:02 GMT

[quote user="jojofruits"]

and so will all the others in the household!

[/quote]

really wish that could extend to humans as well sometimes

RE: Sorry people - PDSA client rant

jojofruits — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:57:01 GMT

I do wish that the PDSA would have a look at some of their criteria. I still find it astonishing that they provide treatment for unneutered pets!

People can be so used to milking these systems for all they are worth and feel very entitled to treatment, when actually they forget this is a CHARITY and other people are funding the treatment of their pets!

I think the 2 pedigree pet rule that they have now is a good one but unfortunately doesn't help Mrs Smith with 2 ancient yorkies who has relied on them for years, all of a sudden they can only treat one of them...

Its really difficult isn't it.. The Celia Hammond Animal trust have got the right idea.. want to go there for cheaper treatment - great! but guess what.. your pet will be neutered at the same time, and so will all the others in the household!

RE: Sorry people - PDSA client rant

Kim Rathbone — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:19:07 GMT

I can see both sides to this, I have on many occasions judged people straight away. One weekend I was getting very frustrated with a client who said she on benefits and can't afford the treatment for her dog, he needed emergency treatment, we tried the PDSA she wasn't in there catchment area, we mentioned blue cross but she said she can't travel that far. My blood started boiling at this point as I felt we were trying everyting, the senior vet caught me having the rant in prep, she was not impressed with my reaction at all. I felt awful, I always find a way to help people, I don't always judge every client either, I'm there to help people in every way I possible can.

However I also see Arlo's point of view, we all have stories, whilst mean while we are working are back sides off to save for first home, make the car you have last forever and not go on holidays or have any pets, so I'm sorry I will still get frustrated at the system in certain cases, but understand for health reasons why people need benefits!

RE: Sorry people - PDSA client rant

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:10:45 GMT

[quote user="PSA-David"]But to clarify on a latter post, where its stated that people would be able to make the correct assumption. you may be surprised. The reason for this is due to a very close person to me. Who gets the so called assumptions all the time where people express the exact thoughts as mentioned?[/quote]

Well, I can equally understand that point of view too. My little daughter has very bad epilepsy, so you can imagine how enraged I was when I read this one: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/09/27/jess-mcgee-epilepsy-ordered-off-bus-driver-pisstake_n_1918578.html.

That driver had no place questioning someone's disability card. His job is to drive the bus, not to make personal judgements about someone's ability to pay or not.

Now you could argue that it's the same in veterinary practice. Not for you to judge clients. But in the real world, we all do to some degree or other. The difference here is that Calli didn't march the patient out of the door (I presume! ), but instead came and blew off a little steam here.

Which makes me think ... if only the bus driver had had the same level of professionalism as Calli.

[quote user="Calli D"]I was feeling quite rotten after reading that reply[/quote]

Not surprised, in my experience the written word can seem far more stark and uncompromising to the reader than the author!

But glad to have cheered you up I think David raises a good point that we all (self-included) need to be careful rushing to judgement. I suppose in this case, there is the possibility that husband left wife penniless, continued to fund children's education, and her parents have the house abroad and are paying for the tickets. But there's no way you're likely to know that, and as I say, far better to come and have a bit of a rant here than push her off the bus (so to speak)!!!

RE: Sorry people - PDSA client rant

PSA-David — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 15:26:59 GMT

I do understand with regards to the abusing of the system where people will milk to get everything that they are "entitled to". About taking the p**s with regards to this as stated plasma TV range rovers. however again if the person was actually on health entitled benefit. This type of vehicle is allowed on the scheme, just that they person has to take out a specific amount of the mobility part to accommodate for this

But to clarify on a latter post, where its stated that people would be able to make the correct assumption. you may be surprised. The reason for this is due to a very close person to me. Who gets the so called assumptions all the time where people express the exact thoughts as mentioned?

Thus why I have possibly jumped ahead on the defensive more than required, sorry about that. reasons as follows

this person has quite an array of health complications, and no there is no faking i have been overnight in hospital with here whilst doctors have said "o s**T. this person is very qualified to do a number of jobs and work in a number of establishments. ETC qualified chef. Business management qualifications, roofer and a model. To look at her you would think there is nothing wrong at all. Which has been stated very recently whilst using a disabled car park. "Look at you your walking fine there is no reason for your to use that space". However occupational health will not allow her to work at all. Last time she did, after cancelling any entitlement. They had to revoke her contract.

please understand that I did not mean any offense here,

RE: Sorry people - PDSA client rant

Calli D — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 15:21:35 GMT

Dear Arlo. I was feeling quite rotten after reading that reply and had just found myself practically buying out half of Lidl's bakery section on my lunch break, haha. I have just sen your post and am now feeling bright again thank you, but .... Now I feel quite guilty about the delicious and somewhat waistline un-friendly food that I have bought for my lunch Will just have to force feed some goodies to the rest of the team.

RE: Sorry people - PDSA client rant

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 14:37:19 GMT

[quote user="PSA-David"]For instance. You don't know the whole story about the person and as to why they are on benefits. It's not always just because they don't want to work, reading between the lines it does sound like you have hate and a lot of anger there. [/quote]

David, to be fair, I think most of us can spot the difference between a scrounge and someone who is on the make, and most nurses - Calli D no exception - would by nature err on the side of giving people the benefit of the doubt.

[quote user="PSA-David"]Personally I think discussing this type of incident on here is not very professional., slagging of a client "benefits or not" you get paid![/quote]

Have to disagree with you. These forums are as much for letting off steam as anything else (Calli's post was actually quite tame by comparison to some I have seen!). The important thing, as she rightly says, is to be scrupulously careful NOT to post any identifying details (as she clearly was).

As to the story in question, have to say I agree with Calli completely. You'd have to be a saint not to grind your teeth a bit when someone claims charitable help on the one hand, whilst jetting off on holiday (or talking about their new 750 inch plasma TV, or turning up in their new Range Rover or any one of a number of other different displays of wealth).

Actually, I'd be fascinated to know what was the most extreme display of wealth that anyone has seen shown by a pet owner claiming benefit / charitable support (though taking the family off on holiday to the second home takes some beating).

RE: Sorry people - PDSA client rant

Calli D — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 13:47:10 GMT

I am sorry PDA-David but I did not mean to offend. Please do not read between the lines. I have no anger or hate in any aspect of my life, None, especially within my work and I actually feel sick that someone would assume as such. I do however, after growing up with not much at all and with a single mother who struggled every day to provide for us, have every respect for people who struggle in one way or another but I do have a healthy 'disgruntlement' for those who feel entitled to and are able to screw the system when others genuinely need the help and struggle through no fault of their own. I am the last person to judge or disrespect a person simply because they are in receipt of some form of benefit relief and believe me, if it was any other time or situation or client I would not have batted an eyelid and as you said, No, I do not know the full story but please also note that I did not go into any details regarding the client so in hindsight neither do you. you are making the assumptions here. Although it may have read as such I was not slagging off the client personally but the system in by which it can be abused.

RE: Sorry people - PDSA client rant

PSA-David — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 11:34:36 GMT

actually you cannot, as you would be breaking the law with regards to your veterinary practices, data protection and and client confidentiality

RE: Sorry people - PDSA client rant

PSA-David — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 11:30:02 GMT

Hi.

Just want to say I would be slightly careful what you post about benefits on here. For instance. You don't know the whole story about the person and as to why they are on benefits. It's not always just because they don't want to work, reading between the lines it does sound like you have hate and a lot of anger there.

Yea also a client was also late!! Did she state a reason to you.... no...? Maybe she was attending a hospital appointment, which had caused her to be unable to drive. She has a condition that has a sudden onset that achieves the same thing. But hours later you appear perfectly normally

So therefore it can be down to health reasons. Just because they are not in bed crippled does not mean they can do a fully day or weeks work, as a nurse you would know there are hidden medical conditions that can stop you doing this.

Personally I think discussing this type of incident on here is not very professional., slagging of a client "benefits or not" you get paid!

Plus on the child, every thought its a farther or a grand parent contribution?

RE: Sorry people - PDSA client rant

Calli D — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 20:32:37 GMT

We think the school fees may be paid by a possible absent father. We are a private practice who accept PDSA work and she is difficult every year she comes in so the receptionist was ready for the inevitable - finished long consult, came out and proceeded to enquire why she had to pay for the booster?! the receptionist informed (yet again, as she does every year) that it is a stipulation of the PDSA voucher that the client MUST pay to vaccinate their dogs. So she asked what she gets with the voucher, at which she was told far too politely than the reception wanted - that the voucher is there for accident, injury or illness. Anything else and all basic treatment that a 'normal dog owner' would have done is to be paid by the owner. Grumble grumble grumble. Apparently she complained about the cost of fuel in the consult as she has to fill up the car on the way home. Shame shame. Not everyone can afford to have a car let alone send their kid to a £15,000 a year school!!!

RE: Sorry people - PDSA client rant

Sal the 1st — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 20:12:04 GMT

you cannot get council tax benefits if you have a second house - unless you are committing benefit fraud. I am surprised the PD are not asking for another means tested benefit?

RE: Sorry people - PDSA client rant

FINNIGAN — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 18:17:44 GMT

Makes my blood boil,, I have one living next door to me, gets 1500 a month in benefits I work a 40 plus hr plus a week.and don't get that much. I'm paying for her out of my wages!!!! So so wrong!!! Think I'm gonna give up work and get benefits