HEALTH bosses say rude, aggressive or violent behaviour from patients will not be tolerated at GP practices as complaints continue to rise.

The number of complaints about patients displaying such behaviour is on the rise across the country while NHS South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group has also received reports of patients verbally abusing GPs and other practice staff.

Since April last year (2015) there have been 55 concerns raised by GP practices across Worcestershire and 29 patients are currently being provided services under the Violent Patient Scheme, a scheme which offers healthcare services to patients away from their usual practice following a violent or aggressive incident.

Patients are being reminded that health professionals are there to help and any patient who feels the need to be rude or aggressive towards their doctor or nurse will face an official warning.

If the behaviour continues, they will face being struck off the list at that particular practice.

Dr Anthony Kelly, chairman of NHS South Worcestershire CCG, said: “Unfortunately we’re seeing more and more instances of patients verbally abusing members of staff.

“There’s never any need to be rude or aggressive towards any member of staff and we need people to be aware that this sort of behaviour is not welcome in any healthcare setting.

“Every health professional working across Worcestershire is committed to offering the best service to patients and sometimes this can go against what the patient believes is the best for them. If this is the case, there are ways a patient can raise their concerns by contacting the CCG and going through the proper complaints process.”

If you have any concerns about the service that you have received, visit www.southworcsccg.nhs.uk/contact-us to find out how you can get in touch with the CCG to share your experiences.