Currently the RCVS only handles disciplinary hearings against veterinary surgeons but from 2010 Veterinary Nurses on the new voluntary register will also be subject to such action.

If a complaint is made against you it is important to reply to the initial letter from the RCVS promptly and carefully. Failure to reply may itself be a disciplinary matter. Your response may be presented in evidence at any subsequent hearing and an ill-thought-out and incautiously worded response sent in haste may be repented at leisure.

Your professional indemnity insurer may also cover you in the event of RCVS disciplinary action. If so, it is important to contact them at the earliest opportunity and take their advice as to the wording of your response. The Veterinary Defence Society Ltd (http://www.veterinarydefencesociety.co.uk/) do provide such cover. In the absence of such cover you may need to obtain your own legal advice.

Select from the left information about the RCVS’s role as a regulator, getting advice from the RCVS, their complaints procedure and their contact details.

In addition, the following resources may prove helpful if you are deeply distressed by the allegations made against you or you think you may need confidential help with addictive and mental health issues. See also the section of this web site that covers depression and stress.

• Vet Helpline on 07659 811 118 (local call rates apply, 24hr rapid response answer phone) provides empathetic discussion of problems with someone who has experience of the veterinary profession. If you wish, it is possible to arrange for you to have regular contact with one nominated person at Vet Helpline who will be available to talk to you while you go through the RCVS complaints procedure
  
  
• The Veterinary Surgeons’ Health Support Programme on 07659 811 118 gives completely confidential professional treatment and advice on alcohol, drugs, eating disorders and other addictive and mental health issues. The Programme has worked with the RCVS for many years to help veterinary surgeons struggling with addictive problems. With intervention, and a one-to-one individually tailored therapy programme, a high proportion will return quickly to work and to normal family relationships. VSHSP treatment programmes are designed to suit an individual’s addictive state and in many cases in-patient treatment is not necessary and advice from the medically qualified National Co-ordinator may be sufficient with or without attendance at help organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
  
  
• Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.
  Tel: 08457 90 90 90
  Website: http://www.samaritans.org/