RCVS launches second ADR trial
Each year the college receives around 1,000 concerns about veterinary surgeons and nurses from members of the public. But around 80 per cent of cases are closed.
The RCVS is launching a new alternative dispute resolution (ADR) trial today (3 October), known as the Veterinary Client Mediation Service (VCMS).
It is the second such trial run by the college, with the first being administered by the Ombudsman Services. After running for nearly two years, the first trial came to a close this summer.
The VCMS is being funded by the college and administered by Nockolds Solicitors. It is free and voluntary for both members of the public and veterinary professionals, and will consider concerns that do not meet the college's threshold of serious professional misconduct.
Each year the college receives around 1,000 concerns about veterinary surgeons and nurses from members of the public. But around 80 per cent of cases are closed during the assessment and investigation stage.
Newly appointed RCVS registrar Eleanor Ferguson said the college may be able to give practitioners advice about professional conduct, for example, but it is not in a position to recommend practical solutions to resolve matters.
"We understand that this can be very frustrating for both animal owners and practices who may feel that the issues are therefore unresolved. As with the last trial we are hoping we can find a way of resolving concerns that members of the public may have about veterinary services in an appropriate way."
Ms Ferguson added that a key difference in the second trial is the VCMS can be accessed directly, rather than via the RCVS concerns investigation process.
The trial will run until July 2017, dealing specifically with concerns about veterinary surgeons and nurses in the treatment of horses, cats, dogs and other small mammals (e.g. rabbits, hamsters, gerbils etc).
From today, the VCMS will be available from 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday, and is contactable on 0845 040 5834 or enquiries@vetmediation.co.uk.
For further information visit www.vetmediation.co.uk
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