Zero Tolerance Policy

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The Practice takes it very seriously if a member of staff, a Doctor or a member or our Nursing Team are treated in an abusive or violent manner.

The Practice supports the Government’s ‘Zero Tolerance’ campaign for Health Service Staff. This states that GP’s and their staff have the 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 has to be in place. All our staff aim to be polite, helpful and sensitive to patient’s individual needs and circumstances. They would respectfully remind patients that very often staff can be confronted with a multitude of varying and sometimes difficult tasks and situations, all at the same time.

Our staff understand that patients who are unwell do not always act in a reasonable manner and will take this into consideration when trying to deal with a misunderstanding or complaint.

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. In order for the Practice to maintain good relations with their patients, the Practice would like to ask all patients to read and take note of the types of behaviour which would be deemed unacceptable:

• Using foul language, or verbally abusing staff
• Any physical violence towards any member of the Practice Team or other patients
• Racial abuse
• Sexual harassment directly or indirectly using social media
• Persistent or unrealistic demands which cause stress to staff. Requests will be met wherever possible and an explanation will be given where not.
• Causing damage or stealing
• Obtaining medications and/or medical services fraudulently
• Contacting staff via social media or any other platform

We ask you to treat your Gp’s and their staff with courtesy at all times.

Thank you for you cooperation.