ABUSE OF NHS STAFF

The Practice has a zero tolerance to any abuse or threats of abuse to its staff.

GPs and their staff have a right to care for others without fear of being attacked or abused. To successfully provide these services a mutual respect between all the staff and patients must be in place. Dealing with people who are abusive or aggressive towards our staff and our patients, takes us away from caring for you. All our staff aim to be polite, helpful, and sensitive to all patients’ individual needs and circumstances. The staff understand that ill patients do not always act in a reasonable manner and will take this into consideration when trying to deal with a misunderstanding or complaint.

Types of behaviour that are unacceptable:

• Using bad language or swearing at practice staff
• Any physical violence towards any member of the Primary Health Care Team or other patients, such as pushing or shoving
• Verbal abuse towards the staff in any form including verbally insulting the staff
• Racial abuse and sexual harassment will not be tolerated within this practice
• Persistent or unrealistic demands that cause stress to staff will not be accepted. Requests will be met wherever possible and explanations given when they cannot
• Causing damage/stealing from the Practice's premises, staff or patients

However, aggressive behaviour, be it violent or abusive, will not be tolerated and may result in you being removed from the Practice list and, in extreme cases, the Police being contacted. We have the right to refuse treatment and take further action against anyone who threatens the safety of our staff and our patients.