Following this broadcast, we appreciate clients may have justifiable concerns, and would like to address some of the issues raised, in so far as they relate to New Malden Vets.

We are a single site, independent practice, and not part of a corporate chain.

We have 7 veterinary nurses; 6 are fully qualified veterinary nurses, registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. The 7th is a registered student nurse, undergoing an RCVS approved training course, who works under the direction of a qualified vet or nurse.

Only vets, nurses, and student nurses are permitted to administer medications; we do not recognise the role of ‘trainee nurse’ as described in the program, and do not employ anyone in this role.

We do not tolerate harsh or abusive handling of animals.

Anaesthetic injections are only ever administered by veterinary surgeons.

If a blood or plasma transfusion is needed, we obtain products from the charity pet blood bank, or more commonly use our own pets (belonging to our vets and staff) as donors.

We discuss diagnostic, investigation and treatment options with clients, and while animal welfare must be our major concern, we always try to take into account an individual owner’s preference and choice as to the level of investigation and treatment they choose.

Our staff work on fixed salaries; they are not rewarded by any form of bonus relating to the amount of investigations or operations they recommend. They are able to give completely impartial advice as to what treatment options are the best for an animal.

If any clients would like to discuss any concerns they may have, please ask to speak to any of the vets or to the partners.

Read the RCVS response to the Panorama programme on their website, www.rcvs.org.uk.