First Community Interest practice

RE: First Community Interest practice

Gillian Mostyn — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 08:59:40 GMT

[quote userid="9239" url="~/001/nonclinical/f/life-in-practice-discussions/29939/first-community-interest-practice/231561#231561"]As long as the patient care is good, does it really matter how they name themselves? [/quote]

Yes. As Evelyn said, there used to be rules for naming practices. For example, you couldn't use your town's name.

However, there are also rules from the OFT and advertising standards to restrict use of names so the public aren't misled. Therefore names such as 'trust', 'authority' and 'foundation' can't use used without special permission. As well as certain symbols, such as crosses. Apparently Animal Trust got their name and blue cross because the the 'not for profit' way they registered their company. I believe the name and tag line give the impression of charitable status and does mislead the public, but so be it.

RE: First Community Interest practice

Evelyn Barbour-Hill — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 23:09:58 GMT

Yes.

It used to be right there in the Guide to Professional Conduct.

RE: First Community Interest practice

Dinu Catilina — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 22:50:02 GMT

[quote userid="2457" url="~/001/nonclinical/f/life-in-practice-discussions/29939/first-community-interest-practice/231531#231531"] The independents should be laughing all the way to the bank and there is opportunity for anyone who wants to do things their way.[/quote]

They are. Sadly not many as you already know better than me that it's not easy to run a practice. I wish more were braver.

And in all fairness, good for them if they found a new way to sell and promote a business. As long as the patient care is good, does it really matter how they name themselves?

RE: First Community Interest practice

patrick murphy — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 15:08:52 GMT

I saw the clinic in Shrewsbury on hols the other week, in it's award winning building! probably built not for profit!

RE: First Community Interest practice

Gillian Mostyn — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 16:17:16 GMT

[quote userid="9239" url="~/001/nonclinical/f/life-in-practice-discussions/29939/first-community-interest-practice/231528#231528"]The ones I know are. I also don't know of any acquisition where the corporate took over and lowered prices. [/quote]

Well market forces rule. The independents should be laughing all the way to the bank and there is opportunity for anyone who wants to do things their way.

RE: First Community Interest practice

Dinu Catilina — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 16:03:49 GMT

[quote userid="2457" url="~/001/nonclinical/f/life-in-practice-discussions/29939/first-community-interest-practice/231522#231522"]Something puzzles me. If vet prices are going up due to the impact from corporate acquisition, why aren't independent practices now substantially cheaper than corporates?[/quote]

The ones I know are. I also don't know of any acquisition where the corporate took over and lowered prices. But I don't know all of them so who knows, maybe?

[quote userid="9179" url="~/001/nonclinical/f/life-in-practice-discussions/29939/first-community-interest-practice/231525#231525"](you can hear the ringpull hiss as I open this can of fizzy, frothing worms) - should we be encouraging pet ownership in people who can't afford veterinary care?[/quote]

Yes. Having pets (dogs, cats, budgies) was always a thing for the poor, rich people owned horses or, in some cases, other people.

RE: First Community Interest practice

Chris Milligan — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 15:18:47 GMT

Ag, three thoughts about this spring to mind:

1. who *is* paying for it?

2. In my experience clients who argue over 400 quid bills argue over 50 quid bills, so is not charging a consult fee and still billing for diagnostics and treatment going to make any difference?

3. (you can hear the ringpull hiss as I open this can of fizzy, frothing worms) - should we be encouraging pet ownership in people who can't afford veterinary care?

RE: First Community Interest practice

Bob Russell — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 14:22:55 GMT

Just be a little cautious about comments made on here or elsewhere.

They can make a very nice salary on 35% of profits. Of course if they are not for profit they cannot benefit from this!

Owners will look at the bill they are left with and judge the level of charity offered by any practice.

I don't remember writing that but I was quite wise back then! I often feel I am running this practice as a hobby or not-for-profit but the accountant and tax man inform me otherwise!

Clever marketing but perhaps the new model allows them to take a larger salary.

RE: First Community Interest practice

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 14:17:25 GMT

[quote userid="2457" url="~/001/nonclinical/f/life-in-practice-discussions/29939/first-community-interest-practice/231522#231522"]If vet prices are going up due to the impact from corporate acquisition, why aren't independent practices now substantially cheaper than corporates?[/quote]

Isn't it difficult to compare (other than standard relatively low cost items).

[quote userid="2457" url="~/001/nonclinical/f/life-in-practice-discussions/29939/first-community-interest-practice/231522#231522"]I'm afraid I don't believe a word Owen Monie says. [/quote]

I think lots of people didn't believe the not-for-profit thing, and I suppose what stood out about this story is that by law, a CIC can only distribute 35% of profit, so he is clearly putting his money where his mouth is.

RE: First Community Interest practice

Gillian Mostyn — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 14:01:20 GMT

Taken from your article:

***

The company says that as a community interest company, it can help to bridge the gap between charities, which provide help only for those who are eligible, and commercial practices, which are becoming increasingly unaffordable as they are acquired by corporates and private equity companies.

***

Something puzzles me. If vet prices are going up due to the impact from corporate acquisition, why aren't independent practices now substantially cheaper than corporates?

I'm afraid I don't believe a word Owen Monie says. And making vet care cheaper is easy. It is providing a good level of care to your patients that is expensive.