A MEDICAL centre has reported an increase in abuse directed by patients towards staff.

Harwood Group Practice has warned such abuse will not be tolerated and that the attitude of patients was affecting them personally.

Now they have taken the step of reminding patients to show some respect.

The Bolton News reported that medical and admin staff had been subject to abuse in the borough and across the country last October.

But it seems people working in the medical field are still be subject to verbal attacks.

A spokesman for Harwood Group Practice said: “We have had an increase in reports of abusive patients towards members of staff, both on the phone and at the reception desk.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy that will be enforced if necessary. The majority of patients are kind and polite to the receptionists and we recognise this.”

HE added: “However, staff are reporting that the challenging behaviour of some patients is affecting them personally. Please can we remind all patients to respect our staff at all times.”

Dr Niruban Ratnarajah, chairman of NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “It is unacceptable that practice staff, who are continuing to work tirelessly to support patients, are being subjected to abuse.

“This is something that is being experienced by practices nationally and it will not be tolerated. Just like in other professions, health staff should be able to do their jobs without being insulted, harassed or threatened.

“There is no excuse for this type of behaviour.”

Well-known and respected Bolton consultant, Dr Kevin Jones, who is now retired, said: “Surely all of us are sickened of this stuff. A GP is the hardest place to work of them all. "It just has to stop. Harwood is one of the best practices in the town. People take the healthcare we have here for granted.”