Violence and Social Media Zero Tolerance

This Practice operates a zero tolerance policy towards violence and aggression.

Aggressive or violent behaviour includes, but is not limited to:

• Threatening, abusive, or offensive language (including swearing)
• Intimidating or inappropriate gestures (including sexual gestures)
• Physical contact or acts of violence
• Derogatory, sexual, or racist remarks
• Shouting at others or behaving in an intimidating manner
• Damaging property or actions such as banging on desks or counters

This policy applies to all patients, visitors, and anyone working within the Practice. It covers behaviour directed towards staff, patients, or visitors.

The Partners are fully committed to safeguarding everyone within the Practice and will take all necessary steps to prevent and respond to unacceptable behaviour. This policy also applies to Partners and employees carrying out duties off-site where those duties relate to Practice business.

Any patient displaying violent or aggressive behaviour on Practice premises will be removed from the Practice list.

Offensive or inappropriate online social media posts may be considered a breakdown in the doctor–patient relationship and could result in removal from the Practice list. Where concerns arise, patients may be contacted and invited to discuss any issues with the Practice Manager or a GP Partner.

We welcome feedback and are committed to improving our services. However, we kindly ask that concerns are raised directly with us—either in person or in writing—so we have the opportunity to respond and address them appropriately.

Please be aware that negative online comments can cause distress to staff and may discourage other patients from seeking medical care.

We ask all patients to consider the impact of their online activity before posting.