Below are some of the responses we have had about the matter of Out of Hours Emergency Treatment
Comment made by a veterinary surgeon, re: out of hours emergency consultation/treatment.
He finds that a high percentage of debts within his practice are incurred from unpaid fees from out of hours emergency treatments especially amongst pet owners not registered with the pratice. He agrees that pratices should have a duty to provide their own emergency, out of hours facilities for clients and that newly qualified vets are aware that it is part of their professional service. However, he feels there should be an onus on the pet owner to make sure they are registered with a pratice.
Hi Kath!
I read your letter regarding the Out of Hours practice. Another point I would like to make is this:
It is stated that if an animal is hospitalised overnight, if it is fit to travel, then it will be taken back to the client's own practice in the morning.
I find that simply appalling, the pet has been through enough already. Also, if the pet is NOT transported back to its own vet then the owner is in a quandary regarding visiting or phoning. I know that one of the main emergency practices is Armac in Bury. What if the owner doesn't have a car? What if they are not used to the area? It is totally different driving there in the dark with a sick animal and having to go in the daytime with all the rush-hour traffic. Also, it is a bloody long way from the edges of Saddleworth Moor to Bury when you are worried sick.
I just find the whole thing absolutely distasteful. When anyone in one of the ermergency/medical/veterinary professions starts training they KNOW that nights and weekends are part and parcel of the job.
Does it also mean that there are to be even more extortionate OOH costs?
Luckily, Stewart finds the whole idea unacceptable and the whole 24 hours is covered by him and his own staff.
Best wishes.
Jean Collinson
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