Definition of Terms

Violence 

Any incident in which an employee is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work

Physical assault

The intentional application of force to the person of another, without lawful justification, resulting in physical injury or personal discomfort

Non-physical assault 

The use of inappropriate or discriminatory words or behaviour causing distress and/or constituting harassment

Aggression 

Behaviour that is hostile, destructive and/or violent

The violent, offensive or threatening patient

We do not expect our staff to tolerate any form of behaviour that could be considered abusive, offensive or threatening, or that becomes so frequent it makes it more difficult for us to undertake our work or help other people.

At Tavyside Health Centre, it is understood that much of the aggression, violence or unacceptable behaviour is often directed towards reception staff as these staff are often the first point of contact.

It is further understood that patients or their representatives can often be frustrated with waiting times, delayed secondary care appointments as a result of the pandemic, or may simply be in pain, such behaviour is still wholly unacceptable.

Therefore, the partners and managers will:

• Support staff that are exposed to poor behaviour and act accordingly
• Take action to manage this type of behaviour and this applies to all aspects of contact, be it in person, on the telephone, or inappropriate behaviour upon social media
• Consider each case of inappropriate behaviour and whilst many cases of violence would result in an immediate removal from the practice list, certain circumstances of a less serious manner may result in a ‘first and final’ warning letter. 
• Remove the patient from the practice list for those more serious offences where the ‘patient / doctor’ relationship may be compromised.

Removal from the Practice

Should the patient be non-compliant as per the behaviour agreement in a manner that contravenes the agreement, then consideration should be given to removing the patient from the practice list.

This final stage should never be taken lightly and will be agreed by the management team. The patient will be advised that the doctor/patient relationship has deteriorated to such a degree that there is no longer any trust between the parties and the relationship is not viable.

The patient will be asked to register at another practice.