Zero tolerance

The practice fully supports the NHS zero tolerance policy. The aim of this policy is to tackle the increasing problem of violence against staff working in the NHS and ensures that doctors and their staff have a right to care for others without fear of being attacked or abused.

We understand that ill patients do not always act in a reasonable manner and will take this into consideration when trying to deal with a misunderstanding or complaint. We ask you to treat your doctors and their staff courteously and act reasonably.

All incidents will be followed up and you will be sent a formal warning after a second incident or removed from the practice list, after a third incident if your behaviour has been unreasonable.

Aggressive behaviour, be it violent or verbal abusive, will not be tolerated and may result in you being removed from the practice list and, in extreme cases, the police will be contacted if an incident is taking place and the patient is posing a threat to staff or other patients.

In order for the practice to maintain good relations with our patients we would like to ask all our patients to read and take note of the occasional types of behaviour we see that are unacceptable:

  • Using bad language, shouting or raising of voices at practice staff.
  • Any physical violence towards any member of our team or other patients.
  • Verbal abuse towards staff or patients in any form including shouting.
  • Racist, xenophobic, sexist, homophobic or other intolerant Language, discrimination or sexual harassment will never be tolerated.
  • Using transphobic slurs
  • Zero tolerance of bullying and harassment for LGBT+ in the workplace
  • Persistent or unrealistic demands that cause stress to staff will not be accepted. Requests will be met wherever possible and explanations given when they cannot be met.
  • Being perceived to bully or manipulate a staff member to obtain some-thing.
  • Causing damage to, stealing or not returning practice equipment from the practice’s premises, staff or patients.
  • Obtaining drugs and/or medical services fraudulently