Doctor’s surgeries in one London borough have reported that patients have been attempting to ‘kick their way in through the front doors’ and even attempting to ‘climb through windows’ of GP surgeries to get to the doctor.
CCGs covering the London Borough of Havering confirmed that police were called on two separate occasions due to the incidents which also included staff being subjected to swearing and shouting.
They added that two patients had been removed from their lists as a result of what happened but declined to name the specific site of the abuse.
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This is just a small part of the abuse faced by staff during the vaccine rollout, with vaccine sites in Havering reporting that on a daily basis reception staff are being subjected to patients shouting and swearing at them as well as being threatened by ‘abusive patients’, with many holding them responsible for delays beyond their control.
NHS staff are facing increased abuse and even violence from patients since the vaccine effort was stepped up
(Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)
Specifically, reception staff at these surgeries are being blamed for having to wait two to five days to get an appointment with a doctor, are accused for not letting the patient have an appointment with the doctor immediately and are blamed for the waiting times at the hospital, as well as other ‘unreasonable’ demands.
It comes as staff and London’s political leaders call for more protection against abuse and respect for staff and volunteers working on the vaccine and testing frontlines.
Recent weeks have seen an increase in reports of frontline workers facing abuse, just as London’s drive was stepped up to get more people vaccinated and tested whilst still delivering other crucial face-to-face health and care services as we near July 19.
The NHS is vaccinating in line with JCVI guidance and people should ensure they have waited 8 weeks between their first and second doses of the vaccine.
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London Councils said in a statement: “An 8-week gap between jabs gives the best level of protection from Covid-19, and abuse or hostility towards staff who are following guidelines will not be tolerated.”
Cllr Georgia Gould, chair of London Councils, said: “We are now reaching an important point in the battle against the pandemic. The vast majority of Londoners have been respectful and patient with the capital’s boroughs’ and NHS frontline staff as they work to help keep London safe.
“Unfortunately, some people are losing their patience and feel it is okay to be rude, abusive and sometime violent to these hard-working heroes who have worked ceaselessly for the last 16 months.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan added to this: “Frontline workers and volunteers who have stepped forward at a time of crisis to help deliver millions of lifesaving vaccinations across our city deserve nothing but our respect and gratitude.
“Jab after jab, they have helped increase our protection against the virus. I would urge all Londoners going to get their first or second vaccinations to show these heroes the respect they deserve.”
Have you seen any mistreatment of NHS staff getting your jabs or tests? Let us know in the comments here. Or email [email protected]
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