Primary Care Sheffield (PCS) has launched an anti-abuse campaign to highlight issues in GP practices facing frontline workers.
The campaign, named Don’t Leave a Gap, aims to remind people of the gap that will be left in practices if staff are absent from their roles.
Dr Lucy Cormak, a GP and medical director at PCS, said there has been a gradual rise in abuse towards receptionists and clinical teams.
“These teams are coming to work to help people, that’s why they come, that’s what they’re there to do. And if they’re having to experience abuse towards them, that does have an impact on their mental health. We’ve seen it in our practices.
“And because of that they’re having to take time away because they need to address their mental health and get away from the thing that is causing it.”
Don’t Leave a Gap was co-produced with practice staff after consultation and recognises the frustration of people in accessing care.
Dr Cormack said: “Everybody is keen to step up to this and look for solutions about how we can make sure patients get seen when they want to, but it’s a difficult problem to solve.
“It’s most important to get people to talk about the issue, and not just accept it’s okay.”
PCS is a not-for-profit company set up by GPs in Sheffield and directly manages 9 of 75 practices in the city.
The organisation reported that they had seen a 15% increase in demand for advice and appointments, and also an increase in abusive incidents towards staff.
Practices have several actions they can take against aggressive members of the public, including verbal and written warnings and removal of the patient from the practise list.
Michael, whose name has been changed for confidentiality, has experienced abuse in his GP practice in the north-east of Sheffield.
He said: “While most people treat our staff with the respect they deserve in the workplace, sadly, we are facing increased abuse.
“We are here to help patients with advice and to find the best services and treatments. Please don’t take your frustration out on our teams.”