THE practice manager at Wellington Medical Centre has condemned increasing ‘rude, aggressive and threatening’ behaviour at the premises in Mantle Street.

Lydia Daniel-Baker said most patients behaved appropriately but the behaviour of some could lead to the police being called.

In a statement she said: “The vast majority of our patients greet us with kindness and understanding, and we thank you for this and for your letters and gestures of thanks and support. We really appreciate this.

“However, recently we have experienced an increase in rude, aggressive and threatening behaviour from some of our patients.

“Although we understand the stress, anxiety and frustration caused by the pandemic, the spike in rude behaviour is not acceptable.

“The NHS Employers ‘Violence Against Staff’ document states that ‘NHS staff should be able to come to work without fear of violence, abuse or harassment from patients or their relatives. The NHS has a zero tolerance attitude towards violence’.

“Violent, threatening or abusive behaviour, including shouting and swearing, will not be tolerated at this practice.

“If patients act in an aggressive and/or threatening manner, they will be asked to leave the premises, the police may be called and you could be removed from our patient list.

“Patients with a genuine grievance should use the processes that are in place to allow you to raise your concerns in an appropriate manner.

“Our staff are here to help you, please treat them with respect.”

The practice has a growing number of patients, as Wellington has expanded with more new homes, with 15,300 people now registered.