Vet reprimanded for attending work under the influence of alcohol

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has issued a Humberside-based locum veterinary surgeon a reprimand and formal warning as to his future conduct for attending work whilst under the influence of alcohol.

The Disciplinary Committee hearing in respect of Pavels Antonovs MRCVS, took place in person from Monday 19 to Friday 23 June 2023 at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London.

There were three charges brought against him. The first being that, on 2 September 2020 whilst in practice at Beverley Vets4Pets, Mr Antonovs attended work when under the influence of alcohol. The second being that, between 25 September and 3 December 2020, whilst at Peel Veterinary Clinic, Mr Antonovs attended work on two occasions when under the influence of alcohol. The final charge being that, between around 1 February 2021 and 8 February 2023, Mr Antonovs failed to respond adequately to reasonable requests from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons regarding concerns raised about his conduct and/or health.

Mr Antonovs admitted the facts of the charges and the Committee decided that the facts amounted to serious professional misconduct.

The Committee therefore decided, in the particular circumstances of this case, to impose a reprimand and warning as to his future conduct on the basis that it would be proportionate in order to maintain public confidence in the profession and uphold proper standards of conduct and behaviour.

The full details of the hearing and the Committee’s decision can be found on our Disciplinary Committee Hearings page.