Legal Notice

In these Terms and Conditions “we”, “us”, “our” and “the practice” refers to Focused Equine Ltd.

Instructions

Instruction for a patient to be examined and treated must be made by an owner or agent over the age of 18 years. 

There may be circumstances where requests for patients to be examined and treated will be made by persons acting as your agent such as a yard manager or stable owner. We will assume unless advised in writing, that they have authority and are acting on your behalf.

Requests for changes to account details must be made in writing by the account holder. In giving instructions, either in person or by your agent, for an animal to be treated, you will be responsible for our charges.

Responsibility for Work

All work is carried out for you by Focused Equine Ltd and not by any individual Director or employee of the practice. No individual Director or employee will have personal liability to you (whether for negligence or otherwise) in respect of work or advice carried out or given by the practice.

Medication

In order to comply with The RCVS Regulations, patients must be seen before prescribing or supplying medication.  Repeat prescriptions can only be given if the animal is, or has been, under the actual care and attention of the attending Veterinary surgeon within an appropriate period of time for the condition in question.  We reserve the right in certain circumstances to re-examine the animal again before prescribing.

Treatment

Subject to our professional duties as Veterinary surgeons, we reserve the right to make final decision regarding treatment.

Diagnostic Images

We retain the responsibility for radiographs and ultrasound scans, but at your request these can be forwarded to another Veterinary surgeon.

Pre-purchase examinations

Information pertaining to pre-purchase examinations remains the property of the individual instructing Focused Equine Ltd.

Payment Terms and Fees

Our professional fees are charged on the basis of an hourly rate and details of these will be provided in writing if requested. Our rates are exclusive of VAT which is payable in addition when required.

Payment of invoices is due within 7 days of the date of the invoice. Invoicing will be monthly.

A late payment fee will be applied to balances remaining unpaid 30 days after the invoicing period. The late payment fees will be as follows –

Up to £500 - £12 per month will be applied.

£501-£1000 - £24 per month will be applied.

£1001-£2000 – £48 per month will be applied.

Over £2000 will be agreed by the directors but will be no less than 24% APR.

Non-payment after 60 days will result in your debt being passed to a debt collection agency.

In giving instructions, either in person or by your agent, for an animal to be treated, you will be responsible for our charges.

Whenever possible we will give you an estimate of the cost of treatment, however, variations and complications may arise resulting in further costs being incurred.

There are occasions on which we incur costs on your behalf, such as tests performed at outside laboratories; these may be invoiced to you at a later date.

In addition to our fees we will charge for expenses and disbursements (such as for medication) that we incur on your behalf. We have no obligation to incur such expenses or disbursements unless funds have been provided by you for that purpose. VAT is payable on certain expenses and disbursements.

Failure to comply with payment terms may result in our insisting that further treatment be paid for at the time.

Out of Hours Fees

Out of hours and anti-social hours visit fees are charged when a Veterinary surgeon visits out of normal office hours, which are 8.30 am – 5.30 pm Monday to Friday or Bank Holidays.

 New clients

We accept new clients on payment at the time basis for the first 3 months and/or until an acceptable credit rating has been established. In order to establish an acceptable credit rating we will perform a credit check and by accepting these Terms & Conditions, you are giving your consent for us to do so.

Details, including relevant medical history, may be obtained from the previous attending Veterinary surgeon, unless you advised otherwise.

Insurance

It is your responsibility to submit claims to your insurer and to be reimbursed by them, you will be required to settle your invoice with Focused Equine and claim the monies back from the insurance company. We will provide administrative assistance where necessary – we do not currently charge for insurance administration services.

Second opinions

If you are dissatisfied with the treatment or management of a patient, we can arrange for a second opinion from another Veterinary surgeon at your cost.

Data Protection

In holding and using data about you, we will comply with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. In instructing us to look after your patient, you authorise us to use that data in the course of the work done on your behalf; and to send to you details of services that we provide, from time to time. 

We will, where specifically required, pass on to Insurers the details of clinical histories, case records and diagnostic images relating to your patient.

Complaints

Our aim is to provide a high quality professional service.  However, if any dissatisfaction should arise, please first raise the matter with the person responsible for carrying out the work on behalf of the practice or refer the matter in writing to the Directors.

General Acceptance of These Terms and Conditions

Your continued instructions to undertake our veterinary services will amount to your acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.   

Applicable law and jurisdiction

These Terms & Conditions shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. The English Courts have jurisdiction in any dispute arising out of our work on your behalf.

If any terms or provisions of this agreement (or parts thereof) are to become invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remainder shall survive unaffected to the fullest extent permitted in law.