Veterinary surgeon to pursue appeal

Press, 21 May 1987, Page 32

Veterinary surgeon to pursue appeal

PA Wellington A Napier veterinary surgeon, Dr Rolf Brauns, will appeal against a Veterinary Surgeons’ Board decision to strike him off the veterinary surgeons’ register. Dr Brauns was struck off after the board found him guilty of inappropriate drug use, inadequate diaganostic skill, inadequate surgical technique and failing to show proper respect and consideration for clients.

The Veterinary Association’s executive director, Mr Glyn Patchett, said Dr Braun’s chance to appeal had expired on May 14. But Dr Braun’s lawyer, Mr Tony Redmond, said an appeal was lodged on May 1 and there would be a High Court hearing. “He does not accept any guilt and claims the allegations were totally

misconstrued,” Mr Redmond said.

"He has made it quite clear he wants the decision (to strike him off) strenuously opposed. It is his intention to remain in practice.”

The board’s chairman, Professor Bill Manktelow, said he had not heard an appeal had been lodged. If it had been, Dr Brauns could continue practising until the appeal had been heard. Professor Manktelow said he believed Dr Brauns was the first veterinary surgeon to be struck off in New Zealand on disciplinary grounds.

The board was responsible for registering veterinary surgeons in New Zealand. It also assessed the qualifications given by overseas veterinary schools to surgeons wishing to practice here, some

of which were unconditionally approved, some were not approved, and some were approved subject to the person’s taking an examination in New Zealand.

Dr Brauns’ Berlin qualifications were unconditionally approved by the board. Asked if the board would review its selection procedure, Professor Manktelow said it was always reviewing evaluations of overseas qualifications.

Overseas veterinary surgeons wanting to work in New Zealand must also be of good character and repute, Professor Manktelow said. This was normally checked with the registration board with which the surgeon was last registered. Such checks had been made on Dr Brauns.