Complaints procedure

As a practice it is our mission to provide compassionate, high quality care for our patients on a continuous basis.

If you have any concerns regarding the service or care you have received from us then we kindly request you contact us at the earliest available opportunity.

In the first instance we would encourage you to discuss your concerns with the team member responsible for your pet, usually the case Vet.  In many cases issues can be resolved quite quickly in this way.

Alternatively you may send your complaint in via email or post to the Practice Manager, details of how to do this can be found at the bottom of this page.

Your complaint will be acknowledged withing 3 working days, however it may take some time to investigate your complaint before a full response can be given.  We will endeavour to keep you updated with an anticipated response time, this may vary on a case by case basis.

Our policy is:

  • To provide a fair complaints procedure which is clear and easy to use for anyone wishing to make a complaint
  • To publicise the existence of our complaints procedure so that people know how to contact us to make a complaint
  • To make sure everyone at The Meopham Veterinary Hospital and Swanscombe, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Veterinary Surgeries know what to do if a complaint is received
  • To make sure all complaints are investigated fairly and in a timely manner
  • To make sure that complaints are, wherever possible, resolved and that relationships are repaired
  • To gather information which helps us to improve what we do

Definition of a Complaint

A complaint is any expression of dissatisfaction, whether justified or not, about any aspect of of The Meopham Veterinary Hospital and Swanscombe, Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Veterinary Surgeries.

Where Complaints Come From

Complaints may come from clients or members of the community. A complaint can be received verbally, by phone, by email or in writing.

This policy does not cover complaints of staff who should use The Meopham Veterinary Hospital’s Discipline and Grievance policies.

Confidentiality

All complaint information will be handled sensitively, telling only those who need to know and following any relevant data protection requirements.

Responsibility

Overall responsibility for this policy and its implementation lies with management team.

Review

This policy is reviewed regularly and updated as required.

Contact Details for Complaints:

By email at enquiries@meophamvets.co.uk  for the attention of the practice manager.

Alternatively complaints may be made in writing or over the phone to the individual branches:

Meopham Veterinary Hospital             Swanscombe Veterinary Surgery

Wrotham Road                                        41-43 Swanscombe Street

Meopham                                                  Swanscombe

Kent                                                            Kent

DA13 0QG                                                 DA10 0BQ

01474 815 333                                          01322 381 999

Tonbridge Veterinary Surgery               Sevenoaks Veterinary Surgery

9 Higham Lane                                         104 Seal Road

Tonbridge                                                  Sevenoaks

Kent                                                            Kent

TN10 4JB                                                   TN14 5AU

01732 798 300                                          01732 740 999