Thank you for entrusting the care of your animal to Blythman & Partners Veterinary Surgeons. These Terms & Conditions set out the basis on which we provide veterinary service. By registering with us or using our services, you agree to these terms.
1. Practice Details, Standards and Opening Hours
The Practice operates across multiple sites (currently eight locations). Full details of each branch, including addresses and opening hours, are available on our website or upon request.
Normal consulting hours vary by site. Emergency Out-of-Hours treatments are provided by our Gosforth Hospital practice 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If urgent advice or emergency treatment is required, the Gosforth Hospital practice can be contacted by calling (0191) 2841711.
The Practice is regulated by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and complies with the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct. All Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) are registered with the RCVS, and all eight locations are enrolled within the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme.
2. Professional Standards and Clinical Governance
We are committed to maintaining high standards of clinical care and customer service in accordance with RCVS guidance.
This includes:
− Maintaining accurate and up-to-date clinical records
− Ensuring continuity of care
− Provide appropriate pain relief and welfare considerations
− Referring cases where this is in the best interests of the patient
3. Fees and Charges
All fees for professional services, medications, consumables, diets and additional services are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate.
Fees are determined based on:
− Time spent on a clinical case
− Equipment used
− Medications, materials and consumables used
A written fee list is available on request.
You will receive a detailed invoice for all services provided.
4. Estimates
We are happy to provide written estimates for proposed treatments. Please note:
− Estimates are an approximation only
− Actual costs may vary depending on your pet’s condition and response to treatment
We will inform you of significant changes to estimated costs where reasonably possible.
5. Payment Terms
Payment is due in full at the time of:
− Consultation
− Discharge of your pet from the Practice
− Collection of any medications or products
Accepted methods of payment are:
− Cash
− Debit/Credit Card (excluding American Express)
− Cheque (with a valid banker’s card)
A deposit (typically 50% of a provided estimate) will be required for surgical procedures, or medical treatment requiring hospitalisation. The remaining balance is payable upon discharge.
6. Overdue Accounts
Accounts not settled as agreed may incur:
− Administrative fees
− Interest charges
− Debt recovery costs
Where necessary, unpaid accounts may be referred to a debt collection agency, and additional costs incurred will be added to the outstanding balance.
7. Inability to Pay
If you anticipate any difficulty in paying your account, you must inform us as soon as possible. Payment plans or part-payments are only available at the Practice’s discretion and must be agreed in advance by an authorised representative.
8. Pet Insurance
We strongly recommend that all our clients insure their pets with a lifetime insurance policy.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing:
− All fees must be settled directly with the Practice
− Clients are responsible for reclaiming costs from their insurer
− Direct claims are generally considered for estimated costs over £1,000. For costs lower than £1,000, prior agreement will be required
− If an insurance claim is declined, or only partial payment is provided, the remaining fees are the responsibility of the client
We will assist with the completion of insurance claim forms both online or in paper format.
9. Clinical Care, Referrals and Second Opinions
Blythman & Partners provides a wide range of veterinary services. Where a case requires specialist expertise, advanced imaging or complex procedures, the Practice may advise referral to a specialist or referral centre.
In accordance with RCVS guidance:
− Referral will be recommended where it is in the patient’s best interests
− You may request a second opinion at any time
We will provide relevant clinical history to another Veterinary Surgeon / Practice upon request.
Any referral to an external veterinary practice, specialist, or third-party provider is arranged independently between the client and that provider. All fees, charges, treatment decisions, outcomes and liabilities relating to referral services are the sole responsibility of the referral provider and the client, and are not the responsibility of this practice.
10. Prescriptions and Medicines
The prescribing of veterinary medicines is governed by RCVS guidance and UK legislation.
− Prescription-only medicines may only be supplied following an appropriate clinical assessment of your pet
− Pets on long-term medication must be re-examined at appropriate intervals (every 3 months for long-term prescription medications, every 6 months for prescription flea, tick and worming prevention)
− A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required to guarantee provision of repeat prescriptions
− A fee applies for written prescriptions for external supply
11. Ownership of Records
Clinical records, including notes, images and test results, remain the property of the Practice in accordance with RCVS guidance.
− Copies or summaries can be provided upon request
− Records may be shared with other veterinary professionals involved in your pet’s care
12. Diagnostic Images and Materials
All diagnostic images and materials (e.g. x-ray images, ultrasound images, ECG readings) remain the property of the Practice, even where a fee has been charged for their production and interpretation.
13. Complaints Procedure
We at Blythman & Partners aim to provide the highest standard of veterinary care. If you have concerns, we ask that these are raised with the branch where they originated. If your concerns are unable to be addressed, or are of a serious nature:
− Please contact Rachael Eddy, the Head Veterinary Nurse of the Gosforth Hospital branch by emailing your concerns to: rachael@blythman.co.uk
− Complaints will be handled promptly and fairly
If you remain dissatisfied, you may escalate your complaints to either:
− The Veterinary Client Mediation Service (VCMS)
− The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
14. Privacy Notice and Data Protection
The practice is committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with UK data protection legislation.
14.1. Practice Contact Details
Data Controller: Blythman & Partners Limited
Address: 16-18 Elsdon Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1JD
Email: gosforth@blythman.co.uk
Telephone: (0191) 2841711
14.2. How We Use Your Data
We collect and process personal data in order to:
− Provide veterinary care and treatment to your pet
− Maintain clinical records (as required by RCVS standards)
− Process payments and manage accounts
− Communicate appointment reminders, treatment reminders and health information
14.3. Legal Basis for Processing
We process your data under the following lawful bases:
− Performance of a contract (providing veterinary services)
− Legal obligations (including professional record-keeping requirements)
− Legitimate interests (practice management and service improvement)
− Consent (for marketing communications where applicable)
14.4. Sharing Your Data
We may share your data with:
− Laboratories and diagnostic providers
− Referral practices or specialists
− Insurance companies (where applicable)
− Debt recovery agencies (for unpaid accounts)
We only share data where necessary and appropriate safeguards are in place.
14.5. Data Retention
We retain client and patient records in line with legal, regulatory, and RCVS requirements.
Retention periods are determined based on professional guidance and legal obligations.
14.6. Your Rights
Under data protection law, you have the right to:
− Access your personal data
− Request correction of inaccurate data
− Request deletion of your data (where applicable)
− Restrict or object to processing
− Request data portability
− Withdraw consent (where processing is based on consent)
Clients may request deletion of their personal data in accordance with UK GDPR. However, the Practice may retain clinical, financial and any other records where required for legal, regulatory, insurance or legitimate business purposes.
14.7. Complaints
If you have concerns about how your data is handled, please contact us in the first instance.
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
15. Variations to Terms
These Terms and Conditions may be updated from time to time.
No variation shall be valid unless agreed in writing by an authorised representative of the Practice.
16. Accessibility and Communication
We are committed to making our services and information accessible to all clients.
If you require information in an alternative format, we will provide this wherever reasonably possible. This may include:
− Larger print versions
− Simplified or plain English documents
− Alternative formats to support disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences
Our website and written communications are designed to be clear, easy to understand, and accessible. If you experience any difficulty accessing information or communicating with us, please contact us and we will do our best to support your needs.
Last Updated: April 2026