A health centre in Nottingham has warned of the increasingly aggressive behaviour its staff face from patients.
Eastwood Primary Care Centre in Eastwood, Broxtowe sent text messages to patients from Wednesday, August 18 to Sunday, August 22, asking for 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'.
And cited examples such as patients raising their voice, being rude or using bad language towards staff.
A spokesperson for staff at the Eastwood Primary Care Centre, said: "We appreciate every single patient who is polite and understanding.
"Our community in Eastwood have 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 is 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, which is a union for doctors, warned of a "rising level of abuse" towards GPs as it called on the public to be kind to NHS workers.
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 per cent being face-to-face and 69 per cent being within 7 days.”
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