Zero Tolerance Policy

A zero tolerance policy towards violent, threatening and abusive behaviour is now in place throughout the National Health Service.

This practice takes a "zero tolerance" approach to violence and aggression, and this is strictly observed by all personnel. The aim of this policy is to protect everyone who works at the practice from possible harm or aggressive behaviour.

The policy also helps to fulfil the practice’s obligations to provide a safe place to work; practice philosophy is that violence is unacceptable in whatever form it takes, for whatever reason.

The staff in this practice have the right to work in an environment free from violent, threatening, aggressive or abusive behaviour and everything will be done to protect that right. At no time will any violent, threatening, aggressive or abusive behaviour be tolerated in this practice, either in person or over the telephone.

Physical and verbal abuse includes:

  • Unreasonable and/or offensive remarks or behaviour / rude gestures / innuendoes
  • Sexual and racial harassment
  • Threatening behaviour (with or without a weapon)
  • Actual physical assault (whether or not it results in actual injury) includes being pushed or shoved as well as being hit, punched or attacked with a weapon, or being intentionally struck with bodily fluids or waste products
  • Attacks on clinicians, members of staff or the public
  • Discrimination of any kind
  • Damage to staff property or practice property

If you do not respect the rights of our staff we may choose to inform the police and make arrangements for you to be removed from our practice list.

Furthermore, defamatory and derogatory comments posted to Facebook, or any other Social Media platform, about the surgery and/or staff members will be viewed as a potential breakdown in the doctor–patient relationship and may result in you being removed from the surgery as a patient.

Please remember:

  • Our practice staff are here to help you
  • Our aim is to be as polite and helpful as possible to all patients
  • If you consider that you have been treated unfairly or inappropriately, please ask the reception staff to contact the Reception Team Lead, or Practice Manager, who will be happy to address your concerns
  • Please help us to help you

Acceptable Behaviour Contract

From January 2019 we will be implementing 'Acceptable Behaviour Contracts' with all new patients.

We will also be asking our existing patients to sign contracts.

You may find the contract included in letters you receive from the surgery.

Please do sign the form if you can, and help us to ensure we promote a pleasant environment for all patients and staff of Westcourt Medical Centre.

ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR CONTRACT