The Veterinary Record 160:139-140 (2007)
© 2007 British Veterinary Association
RCVS DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE
Vet to be struck off over alcohol addiction
THE RCVS Disciplinary Committee has directed that the name of a
Hertfordshire veterinary surgeon should be removed from the RCVS
Register after she failed to show `sufficient effort' in complying with
conditions set by the committee at a disciplinary hearing last year.
In December 2006, the Disciplinary Committee found Miss Judith Kay, of
Sawbridgeworth, unfit to practise veterinary surgery following a conviction
for drink-driving in May 2006, for which she received a four-month prison
sentence and a five-year driving ban. This conviction was her fourth for
drinking and driving. The committee postponed its judgement to give Miss Kay
time to put together a structured programme to comply with conditions set by
the committee to allow her to continue to practise while attempting to
overcome her addiction to alcohol (see VR, January 6, 2007, vol 160,
p 4).
At a resumed hearing on January 26, the Disciplinary Committee heard that
Miss Kay had not complied with the conditions. In addition, she admitted to
two incidents of social drinking over Christmas, and a fellow member of
Alcoholics Anonymous, who gave evidence before the committee, said that Miss
Kay had admitted to a further incident, less than a week before the
hearing.
In considering its decision, the Disciplinary Committee said that it had a
responsibility to the welfare of animals and their owners, and to protect the
reputation of the veterinary profession. It was concerned that Miss Kay had
not shown sufficient effort in complying with the conditions it had set out at
the previous hearing. `The committee has to be sure that Miss Kay accepts that
her commitment to abstinence is an essential first step. It is clear that she
is unable to satisfy that principle at this time.'
The decision continued: `In the committee's opinion, a period of time needs
to elapse for Miss Kay to gain control of her addiction. We therefore consider
it unsafe for Miss Kay to continue practising as a veterinary surgeon at this
time.'
Related articles in The Veterinary Record:
- Veterinary surgeon given final chance to tackle alcoholism
The Veterinary Record 2007 160: 4.
[Full Text]
- Application for readmittance to the RCVS Register rejected
The Veterinary Record 2008 162: 167-168.
[Full Text]
