Doctors’ surgeries, including Builth Wells, Llanwrtyd Wells, Llandrindod Wells, Knighton, Presteigne and Rhayader, are concerned about the health and wellbeing of their team..

PAVO health promotions facilitator, Gareth Ratcliffe, said. “Every day, surgery staff receive verbal abuse from the very people that they are trying to help. This abuse and aggression is increasing and must stop today. Practice team are subjected to aggressive and abusive language when they are doing their job.

We ask you all to think about the impact of what you say.

The words that patients use stay with our practice team long after they have finished their day’s work. Some colleagues are hardened to it. Some think it’s part of the job. Others go home and consider whether they can face another day of rude and aggressive language.

“Please remember the NHS is there to help you with your needs. However, we have small teams and are dealing with multiple calls and follow up actions to help our patients. We need to prioritise. At times, not everyone will get what they feel they need. For safety, there are restrictions and processes that have to be followed.”

“The partnerships across the region operate a zero tolerance on verbal and physical abuse. Aggressive outbursts from anyone either on the phone or face to face in our surgeries may result in the police being called. Surgeries will be following Health Board guidance about the continued registration at the practice of abusive patients.“

“Please remember, the practice teams are essential to the success of your local GP surgery. Even if you feel stressed, you must treat them as you would like to be treated.”