Increase in aggression toward GP surgery staff
A DOCTOR’S surgery in Carmarthenshire has had to make changes to how it operates due to “aggression towards staff”.
Meddygfa Tywyn Bach, which is based at Parc y Minos Street in Burry Port, explained the change in a statement which read: “Due to an increase of aggression towards the reception staff we have now reverted back to buzzer access to the practice.”
Hywel Dda Health Board has condemned the behaviour, and warned that verbal abuse towards NHS staff “will not be tolerated.”
A statement from the health board read: “Verbal abuse targeted at any member of NHS staff will not be tolerated; please remember they are working very hard to help their patients and thank people for their patience.”
All requests for appointments at Meddygfa Tywyn Bach are triaged by the clinical team, and first dealt with by those working on reception.
Explaining the process, the surgery’s website reads: “The reception team will ask for a brief description of your problem.
“This will be put in for a message and a GP will call you back.
“If an appointment is needed this will be booked in the same day. Alternatively a request for a call back can be made by using our digital platform – Econsult.
“Once submitted you will be contacted within 48 hours of the request but we aim to contact you the same day. The triage request line is open from 8.30am. Appointments with nurse and healthcare assistant are pre-bookable for morning and evening surgery.”