Residents in East Kilbride are being reminded that violence and aggression towards NHS staff will not be tolerated.
The reminder comes after staff at Calderlea Surgery have fallen victim increased verbal abuse in recent weeks.
Staff are experiencing a 30 per cent increase in telephone inquiries because of the pandemic and vaccination programme, causing a slight delay in answering each call.
Shocking, staff are reporting that this is when they are being subjected to the abuse.
A spokeswoman for the clinic told Lanarkshire Live : “Our staff are experiencing an increase in verbal abuse which will not be tolerated.
“We adhere to Lanarkshire Health Board’s Zero Tolerance.
“We would appreciate your continued support and understanding during these difficult times, we always strive to offer our patients the best possible care."
Just last week a warning was issued by one of Lanarkshire’s health chiefs to say that any form of hostility towards staff would not be tolerated.
That's after staff in the region reported an increase in violence and aggression towards care staff.
Reported incidents involve GPs, dental workers, and wider primary and community care staff.
Dr Linda Findlay, medical director of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said this would not be tolerated.
He told us: “The majority of the public continue to be very supportive of our staff and colleagues in primary and community care, and we thank them for that.
“Sadly, however, we are hearing more reports that, in recent days, a minority have been engaging in behaviours and attitudes that are completely unacceptable.
“We have a very clear message to those who would display any form of violent or aggressive behaviour, be it verbal or physical, towards our staff.
“It never has been tolerated and it will certainly not be tolerated now.”
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