Neighbourhood Vet overcharging?

[Alec1]

They may not NEED vaccinations, but if you want to board them at all, most catteries and kennels require them to be up-to-date with the vaccinations offered. 

[kbabes]

On 22/02/2024 at 22:41, Froglander said:

Has anyone tried the 24 hour Medivet in Kenbury Street, Camberwell?  Was previously a non chain called The Animal Hospital and owned by a vet called David Cuffe who had a branch in Abbeville Road in Clapham. Don’t know if he still works there.  Medivet has also taken over the Clapham branch.

We had to take one of our newly born week old corgi puppies there last Saturday & in the end he was kept in overnight.  The team on duty were fantastic,  we were given an estimate based on what they believed was required and they committed to doing everything they could, although admitted he seemed really poorly and realistically had a poor chance of survival.   

Was in contact with the team 1st thing Sunday to learn he had thankfully pulled through against the odds - in the end the final bill came to less than half the estimate as the team hadn't wanted to add any additional stress to the puppy with tests they deemed unnecessary.   A breath of fresh air compared to most practices.

Couldn't thank them enough obviously as we thought we'd lost him! 

Edited February 28 by kbabes
Grammar

[Froglander]

On 28/02/2024 at 18:31, kbabes said:

We had to take one of our newly born week old corgi puppies there last Saturday & in the end he was kept in overnight.  The team on duty were fantastic,  we were given an estimate based on what they believed was required and they committed to doing everything they could, although admitted he seemed really poorly and realistically had a poor chance of survival.   

Was in contact with the team 1st thing Sunday to learn he had thankfully pulled through against the odds - in the end the final bill came to less than half the estimate as the team hadn't wanted to add any additional stress to the puppy with tests they deemed unnecessary.   A breath of fresh air compared to most practices.

Couldn't thank them enough obviously as we thought we'd lost him! 

How wonderful that your puppy pulled through after being admitted and what a nerve wracking time for you.  That’s a great testament to post about this vet practice.  

[Sue]

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/mar/12/uk-vet-pricing-competition-and-markets-authority-cma?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

Edited March 12 by Sue

[malumbu]

Think they score highly on Google reviews but on the bigger picture the CMA investigation will also show that as consumers shopping around helps keep prices down.  Although like dentistry, hairdressing, and funerals this is quite personal and you will often stick to a provider you are happy with/feel comfortable with.  

[HeadNun]

Surely the review has been commissioned for the opposite reason - that a lack of competition is keeping prices up? 

[Froglander]

You and Yours, Radio 4, is covering this topic today.  Will be available to listen to on the Sounds App after transmission.

[Froglander]

The vet from the BVA that was on the You & Yours programme yesterday was very much on the defensive.  Definitely worth a listen. 

[Sue]

https://www.theguardian.com/business/nils-pratley-on-finance/2024/mar/12/vet-practices-the-competition-watchdog-is-barking-up-a-promising-tree?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

Edited March 13 by Sue

[Callie]

Does anyone know how much NV is now  charging for a prescription?

Edited March 29 by Callie

[IlonaM]

Depends on the medicine dispensed, or did you mean writing a prescription that will be fulfilled elsewhere? I think last time that came up it was £40c for writing a prescription, but that was a while ago.

However, on looking at the price list online, a prescription charge is listed as £29.50, so it has improved [https://www.theneighbourhoodvet.co.uk/about-us/prices].

Edited March 29 by IlonaM
update

[NewWave]

I think we paid around £20 but it wasnt with NV

[Mystic Mog]

It says £29.50 on their site. 👎

[d walker]

Other vets charge less, Robson £10, pets at home £13. Even the reduction from £40 ( if that was the price? shocking) to £29.50 seems a lot 

[Froglander]

Do the women who started NV still work there? They expanded quite rapidly.  They have branches in Penge and Crofton Park. That £40 price for a prescription is/was shocking.

On 25/02/2024 at 18:11, Alec1 said:

They may not NEED vaccinations, but if you want to board them at all, most catteries and kennels require them to be up-to-date with the vaccinations offered. 

I wouldn’t use a place that forced your animal to have completely unnecessary vaccinations.  Better to have your pet looked after in their own home (especially cats) or in someone else’s home they are comfortable with.

Edited March 31 by Froglander

[Alec1]

1 hour ago, Froglander said:

Do the women who started NV still work there? They expanded quite rapidly.  They have a branches in Penge and Crofton Park. That £40 price for a prescription is/was shocking.

I wouldn’t use a place that forced your animal to have completely unnecessary vaccinations.  Better to have your pet looked after in their own home (especially cats) or in someone else’s home they are comfortable with.

Agreed.  If I were to get another cat, whether vaccinated or not, I would prefer to have them looked after at home.

[IlonaM]

Interesting article in today's Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/apr/06/vet-who-really-profits-from-poorly-pets

[d walker]

10 hours ago, IlonaM said:

Interesting article in today's Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/apr/06/vet-who-really-profits-from-poorly-pets

What I have suspected all along with the chains, but sad to read nevertheless. And I feel sorry for the poor vets, I'm sure this wasn't how they envisaged it would be when they started to train as a vet. The corporates should bow their heads in shame. 

[Penguin68]

On 06/04/2024 at 21:35, d walker said:

And I feel sorry for the poor vets, I'm sure this wasn't how they envisaged it would be when they started to train as a vet.

I suspect quite a few vets went into the work hoping to make money. They weren't forced to take the corporates' shilling when they sold their practices. It may be that newly qualified vets don't like it. As doctors (GPs) who can't buy into partnerships don't like it. Salaried vets and GPs get paid less, but that doesn't mean they don't want to be paid more. 

[EDLORDER]

Happened recently to my cousin's 3 year old Frenchie who became pregnant. 

Made her go back and forth, charging each admission and consultation on top of all the medication, she passed away within a few hours after waking up from her c-section and we are now in a medical negligence dispute with them. They had even prescribed the dog paracetamol, then looking at the bill afterwards it said Calpol 5ml per dosage, exactly as you would have for a 2 year old, same bottle and charged her £25. The vets is called VETS NOW and is a chain, please avoid at all costs. 

We had no idea that we could take the prescription and go get the medication ourselves, especially for something like Calpol. 

[Froglander]

On 08/04/2024 at 08:33, Penguin68 said:

I suspect quite a few vets went into the work hoping to make money. They weren't forced to take the corporates' shilling when they sold their practices. It may be that newly qualified vets don't like it. As doctors (GPs) who can't buy into partnerships don't like it. Salaried vets and GPs get paid less, but that doesn't mean they don't want to be paid more. 

According to the NV website, they have a total of 19 veterinary surgeons across their three practices.  This includes Suzanne, who is one of the co-founders. 

[MaryT]

Hmm. Had already realised that drugs for pets are way cheaper bought online from legit providers. Asked the Neighbourhood Vet for a repeat prescription worming tablet and this time they've quoted me £30.00 just to write the thing out! Have attended there regularly with my dog; boosters, spay etc all very recently so I think that charging £30 just to issue a worming prescription is excessive and unjustified. Wipes out most of the savings I make from ordering the drugs online - but maybe that's the point! Anyone else had this experience? Is it same at all local vets? Thanks all.

[Mystic Mog]

Miss Robson charges £10 and Peckham vets £14.

[The Neighbourhood Vet]

Hey there,

 

This is Suzanne from The Neighbourhood Vet.

 

I am writing on this forum - as a first and last time - to ask people to think about the level of criticism of vets that’s happening, especially recently, and ask if you think is really ok? 

 

I established the practice 12 years ago with Amber and we joined a corporate called IVC Evidensia in 2019. Amber went back to Australia and Simon joined me as co-Clinical Director in 2020. We now have 70 employees across 3 sites and I think we have a pretty amazing and special practice. 

 

The upset caused by the criticism of vet practices is not just about The Neighbourhood Vet and our staff. We get equally affected when we hear people saying bad things about Ms Robson’s practice, DNA pet care practices (Peckham/ Mayow Rd/ Parish Lane/ Streatham etc), Medivet practices (Lordship Lane, Camberwell, New Cross, Beckenham etc) or other IVC practices (Norwood Rd, Paxtons, Easipetcare). 

 

All vet practices are a business and have to make a profit otherwise they will not survive. Just because we happen to be a place that cares for your pets, it doesn’t mean we can do this for free. Not a single person I know who works in the vet profession, chose to do so for the money, rather it is because we love animals, and continue to do our best for them every day, even whilst hearing the most terrible things said about us.

 

I personally have been criticised for selling to a corporate rather than staying independent but until you have dealt with the pressure (financial and otherwise) of running a business that cares for pets (which seems to be the most emotive topic for people) then I’d ask you be respectful of my decision.  The corporate practices are the obvious target in any criticism of vet practices - we do not always get things right, and there is always room for improvement but we are all working for the common goal which is to look after your pets.

 

None of our vets work on commission or get any performance-based bonus. None of our staff have financial targets that they are expected to achieve.  Different practices do different things and charge differently as do other businesses that provide similar services - think M&S vs Sainsbury’s vs Lidl vs a corner shop vs Waitrose. You do not expect to pay the same at these places so I am not sure why people think that vets should price-match and all charge exactly the same? 

 

If you decide that you are not happy with something (our staff/ practices/ cost of medication/ receptionists/ cost of prescriptions/ way of working/ vets etc etc etc), then we would encourage you to discuss this with us. On any given day we can have a multitude of complaints from prescription charges to having to wait for 10 minutes because of an emergency to our consult prices on a weekend to the receptionist not being sufficiently friendly, and this all takes time away from caring for you and your pet. 

If you genuinely think it will make you feel better to write something bad or that you are providing a service to others with your criticism, then of course you can do that, but please refrain from spreading inaccurate information or making bold assumptions about our Vets and staff. 

 

We do not respond on socials because do not want to give air to toxicity, however, most of our staff (and others in the vet profession) would know about the things written about them. Vets have the highest suicide rate of any profession and the mental health of many in the vet profession is easily eroded by social media.

So before you feel the need to tear someone down, perhaps think instead that it might be better to be kind. It would make the world a much nicer place. 

 

 

Suzanne

 

Dr Suzanne McNabb BSc BVSc MACVSc MSc MVS MRCVS

She/Her

Clinical Director

The Neighbourhood Vet

66 Lordship Lane

East Dulwich

SE22 8HJ

[d walker]

22 hours ago, The Neighbourhood Vet said:

Hey there,

 

This is Suzanne from The Neighbourhood Vet.

 

I am writing on this forum - as a first and last time - to ask people to think about the level of criticism of vets that’s happening, especially recently, and ask if you think is really ok? 

 

I established the practice 12 years ago with Amber and we joined a corporate called IVC Evidensia in 2019. Amber went back to Australia and Simon joined me as co-Clinical Director in 2020. We now have 70 employees across 3 sites and I think we have a pretty amazing and special practice. 

 

The upset caused by the criticism of vet practices is not just about The Neighbourhood Vet and our staff. We get equally affected when we hear people saying bad things about Ms Robson’s practice, DNA pet care practices (Peckham/ Mayow Rd/ Parish Lane/ Streatham etc), Medivet practices (Lordship Lane, Camberwell, New Cross, Beckenham etc) or other IVC practices (Norwood Rd, Paxtons, Easipetcare). 

 

All vet practices are a business and have to make a profit otherwise they will not survive. Just because we happen to be a place that cares for your pets, it doesn’t mean we can do this for free. Not a single person I know who works in the vet profession, chose to do so for the money, rather it is because we love animals, and continue to do our best for them every day, even whilst hearing the most terrible things said about us.

 

I personally have been criticised for selling to a corporate rather than staying independent but until you have dealt with the pressure (financial and otherwise) of running a business that cares for pets (which seems to be the most emotive topic for people) then I’d ask you be respectful of my decision.  The corporate practices are the obvious target in any criticism of vet practices - we do not always get things right, and there is always room for improvement but we are all working for the common goal which is to look after your pets.

 

None of our vets work on commission or get any performance-based bonus. None of our staff have financial targets that they are expected to achieve.  Different practices do different things and charge differently as do other businesses that provide similar services - think M&S vs Sainsbury’s vs Lidl vs a corner shop vs Waitrose. You do not expect to pay the same at these places so I am not sure why people think that vets should price-match and all charge exactly the same? 

 

If you decide that you are not happy with something (our staff/ practices/ cost of medication/ receptionists/ cost of prescriptions/ way of working/ vets etc etc etc), then we would encourage you to discuss this with us. On any given day we can have a multitude of complaints from prescription charges to having to wait for 10 minutes because of an emergency to our consult prices on a weekend to the receptionist not being sufficiently friendly, and this all takes time away from caring for you and your pet. 

If you genuinely think it will make you feel better to write something bad or that you are providing a service to others with your criticism, then of course you can do that, but please refrain from spreading inaccurate information or making bold assumptions about our Vets and staff. 

 

We do not respond on socials because do not want to give air to toxicity, however, most of our staff (and others in the vet profession) would know about the things written about them. Vets have the highest suicide rate of any profession and the mental health of many in the vet profession is easily eroded by social media.

So before you feel the need to tear someone down, perhaps think instead that it might be better to be kind. It would make the world a much nicer place. 

 

 

Suzanne

 

Dr Suzanne McNabb BSc BVSc MACVSc MSc MVS MRCVS

She/Her

Clinical Director

The Neighbourhood Vet

66 Lordship Lane

East Dulwich

SE22 8HJ

Although I think you're right to address your concerns about what you perceive as an attack on your business.  I do feel I need to respond to some of your comments;  I haven’t noticed any criticism in the posts of the clinical care delivered,  all the criticism has been in relation to your charges and billing,  which when compared to other practices does seem high. We know vets are business and don't expect treatment for free! But when prices are significantly higher people are going to question it.  This occurs not only on social media,  but in parks up and down the country as dog owners do discuss this. 

 

I agree your analogy that people can choose where to purchase their veterinary care, a bit like where they choose to purchase their groceries ( convenience store versus sainsburys versus Aldi etc). The big difference is with the supermarket chains there is choice.  Sadly what is happening with veterinary practices is a few massive chains have brought up all the previously independent practices,  therefore there isn't any real choice and these chains are monopolising the industry and forcing up prices to shocking levels ( veterinary prices have risen more than any other industry). I welcome the formal investigation of the CMA into veterinary costs.