HEALTH bosses are calling for patients to show more respect when going to the GP following complaints of violence from across the county.
GP Practices across the country have raised concerns about patients acting in a rude, aggressive or violent manner, with NHS South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group also receiving reports of patients verbally abusing GPs and other practice staff.
Since April last year, 55 complaints were made across Worcestershire and 29 patients are currently on the Violent Patient Scheme, a programme which offers healthcare services to patients away from their usual practice following an aggressive incident.
Health professionals are urging patients to remember they are there to help and anyone acting aggressively will receive an official warning and may be struck off the list at their practice.
Dr Anthony Kelly, Chair of NHS South Worcestershire CCG, said: “Unfortunately we’re seeing more and more instances of patients verbally abusing members of staff.
“There’s never any need to be rude or aggressive towards any member of staff and we need people to be aware that this sort of behaviour is not welcome in any healthcare setting.
“Every health professional working across Worcestershire is committed to offering the best service to patients and sometimes this can go against what the patient believes is the best for them. If this is the case, there are ways a patient can raise their concerns by contacting the CCG and going through the proper complaints process.”
Anyone with concerns about the service they have received or would like to tell someone of their experiences should visit www.southworcsccg.nhs.uk/contact-us.
