STOP THE ONLINE HATE

Non-physical assault, physical, verbal or racial abusive behaviour is NOT acceptable and will NOT be tolerated at this practice. Everyone has a duty to behave in an acceptable and appropriate manner. Staff have a right to work, as patients have a right to be treated, free from fear of assault and abuse, in an environment that is properly safe and secure.

The NHS defines non-physical assault as: “the use of inappropriate words or behaviour causing distress and/or constituting harassment”.

Patients who are abusive to, or physically/ non-physically assault Practice Staff or other patients whilst in this practice will be removed from the practice list, this could also apply to those patients along registered at the same household. All circumstances will be considered, Mutual respect is expected at all times.”

There may be times when an inappropriate post has been put on a social media site by a patient, and they should be challenged on the content. It maybe that the post can be removed or altered by mutual agreement, If not then a decision has to be taken as to whether the post has breached any doctor patient relationship and whether that patient may need removing from the practice list.