Zero Tolerance Policy

The NHS now operates a zero-tolerance policy with regards to violence and abuse.

The doctors, nurses, other staff and patients in this practice have the right to do their work in an environment free from violent, threatening or abusive behaviour and everything will be done to protect that right. Violence in this context includes actual or threatened physical violence or verbal abuse.

The Practice has the right to remove abusive patients from the list with immediate effect in order to safeguard practice staff, patients and other persons.   In this situation we will notify the patient in writing of their removal from the list, and record in the patient’s medical records the fact of the removal and the circumstances leading to it. In certain circumstances if you do not respect the rights of our staff we may choose to inform the police.

Southam Surgery also reserves the right to remove any patient seen to be making abusive or defamatory remarks on any social networking sites.

Please Treat our Staff with Respect

We understand that there are many occasions when it can be frustrating to be a patient; however, this is not a reason to be rude and verbally aggressive. Unfortunately, some patients feel that it is acceptable to vent their frustration on members of our Reception and Administration Team.

The Practice Team do their best to help patients but they are carrying out their duties under the directive of the Partners of the Practice and must adhere to the rules as set out by the Practice.