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. 

Is there any way you could get him scanned for a microchip? Any vet will do this. There seems to be a few unneutered cats hanging around 

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. 

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 

I recommend Peckham Vets on Bellendon Rd. Newly opened independent vets 

I'm in the park daily and walk past the American garden.  To me it looks like all gardens do coming out of winter,  the perennial plants have all died back and hopefully will bloom again come spring/summer.  The evergreen rhododendrons are all there, waiting to bloom in May. So I'm not sure what Southwark News is on about,  perhaps they needed to fill space with a non story?! Or they were in a completely different park!

So emergency consultation price is after 3pm on a Saturday!?  As I was charged that at 1pm on a Saturday. These are the reasons I no longer attend this vets. I think they make up charges as they go along! And although the various vets seem OK,  I never saw same one twice 

There seems to be a lot of unneutered cats around at the moment, is it due to cost of living crisis?  I really wish people would neuter their pets, as you say,  they are causing distress to our cats. Cat charities will help with neutering if necessary. 

I'm wondering if they are two different tabby cats? The one in your garden ED09 looks like a stripey tabby,  the one in Friern/Upland roads is more spots. And he is friendly and happy to be stroked. But getting him scanned would be good. 

I'm wondering with the cost of living crisis people are not neutering their animals? Or getting them microchipped,  which will be a legal requirement after June this year. 

A neighbour works for the Dogs Trust so has a scanner and we were able to scan him and find out he isn't chipped.  Or neutered!  We ( in Friern and Upland roads) are concerned about him as no one seems to know who he belongs to and he appears hungry ( or just extremely greedy). He wanders into lots of houses. 

So glad he is back home safe.  

I have "Tractive" GPS tracker on my cat, its given me peace of mind knowing where he is. You download the Tractive app to your phone and can follow his movements,  you can also get it to light up and bleep if you're out searching for him and need the precise spot where they are.

This young unneutured cat has been hanging around the houses and gardens of Friern and Upland roads for a while.  He's not microchipped. He regularly is going into people's homes and is either very bold or desperate as household cats and dogs don't phase him!

 

If he's yours or you know the owners please message me 

Thanks 

The interesting (and worrying) thing they mentioned on the radio 4 phone in, was that these big chains have protocols,  so when an animal comes in with a problem,  treatment A is applied,  regardless of the individual pet. And treatment A is always the most expensive course of treatment. Whereas an independent vet would give options and prices and owner and vet would decide together.  These chains have shareholders to keep happy. And profits are king. The speakers on the programme strongly advised to support independent vets to give them support to keep them in business. 

Although putting barbed wire in her garden is not illegal per se, should your cat be injured by it then she could fall foul of the animal welfare act ( causing unnecessary suffering to an animal). If she is "lovely " ( not a term I'd give her!), then I'd speak to her and advise her against this. I'm amazed at your tolerance towards her,  I certainly wouldn't be if she was my neighbour doing this! Good luck 

34 minutes ago, Maria Mac said:

 

The financial directir of nv holds over 400 directorships?

And there in lies the problem! These vet practices are being run for the fat cats to cream off vast salaries at the expense of us pet owners.  Apart from Ms Robson in Highshore Rd, does anyone know if there's any independent vets left in the area?

£30!!!??? Crazy price.  Vets 4 pets at Sydenham ( in Pets at Home), charging £13, Ms Robson £10, so how can Neighbourhood Vets justify their prices.  

I'm looking to convert my front garden into a driveway,  I'm wanting something that is eco friendly, that's not just concreted over. If you've had yours done recently I would appreciate any recommendations. 

Thanks 

I now use Foster & sons in Forest Hill Rd, opposite Peckham Rye Park,  always friendly and helpful,  unlike some other pharmacies in the area.

Froglander: I now go to Paxton Vets in Gipsy Hill. I've been very impressed by two different vets I've seen there. One suggested cleaning my cats wound with salt water rather than sell me an expensive cleaner.

Jules&Boo: Glad you're happy with NV, wish I could say the same but sadly the practice is now managed by finance people who are only interested in making maximum income, I feel sorry for the poor vets who have to work under that regime . But agree Herne Hill practice leaves a lot to be desired as in past used them but left due poor practice. That's why I was thrilled with Amber and Suzanne when they opened their NV practice on Barry Parade, but sadly that's no more

I was with Neighbourhood Vets but have now changed vets as I felt getting as much money out of me was their number one priority. Sad that this has happened to what use to be a good vets. I think the only way to convey disgust is to vote with your feet and go elsewhere! I now go to a lovely practice that are upfront with their prices and are cheaper than this vets.

Thanks for this. That's so sad. Ellie used to have people travel miles to see her as it was an excellent practice under her.

Which vets do people recommend? It seems most have been swallowed up by big companies which put profits as a priority

Hi. Would appreciate any reviews on the Norwood Rd veterinary practice since Ellie's departure.

Looking at their website there doesn't seem to be any of the old staff working there anymore. I have been going to Ellie for years and trusted her and her team completely, so it would be helpful to know if new team are as good?

Friern Rd have some fabulous advent windows....

Thank you for bringing this to our attention, unbelievable, whatever was Dulwich College thinking!?

So pleased this stall has withdrawn, it was not appropriate and not fair on the other traders at the event.

Really hope you find her soon.

You may already have done this, but if not post on "Dogs Lost". They have volunteers locally who might be able to help.