Health staff facing rising tide of abuse
A HEALTH centre says its staff face increasingly aggressive behaviour from patients.
Eastwood Primary Care Centre in Eastwood sent text messages to patients from last Wednesday to Sunday, asking them to remain polite and stating that abuse will not be tolerated.
The surgery says it has faced an increasing amount of aggressive and abusive language aimed at staff at a time when the NHS is facing “unprecedented demand”,
citing patients raising their voices, being rude and using bad language.
A spokesperson for staff at the centre said: “We appreciate every single patient who is polite and understanding.
“Our community in Eastwood has been a massive source of support for our staff through these tough times, and it’s a real shame that daily instances of aggression, rudeness, swearing and bluntly hanging up or walking away are getting everyone down.
“We will not tolerate abuse, violence or threats towards members of our staff, and we believe they deserve kindness and respect.
“Our staff work incredibly hard to care for our patients. We urge those who feel frustrated and on the brink of anger to take a few deep breaths and think before they vent on any of the people around them. Let’s all be kind to each other.”
On August 10 the British Medical Association warned of a “rising level of abuse” towards GPS.
An NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG spokesperson said: “Abuse, violence and threats towards NHS staff are absolutely unacceptable and will never be tolerated.
“Despite the challenges faced by primary care throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, our GP practices are open and have continued to deliver important medical support and advice to the public in the safest way possible.
“Patients in Nottingham and
Nottinghamshire are continuing to be seen safely in line with national guidance. In June 2021, 522,336 appointments were carried out with 57 percent being face to face and 69 percent being within seven days.”