HEALTH bosses are reminding patients that rude, aggressive or violent behaviour will not be tolerated when visiting their GP Practice for treatment.

The number of complaints being made by GP Practices about patients displaying such behaviour is on the rise across the country, and locally, NHS Wyre Forest Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has also received reports of patients verbally abusing GPs and other practice staff.

Since April 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 Simon Rumley, chair and clinical lead for NHS Wyre Forest CCG, said: “Unfortunately we are seeing more and more instances of patients verbally abusing members of staff.

“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.

“There is 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.”

If you have any concerns about the service you have received, visit wyreforestccg.nhs.uk/contact-us.