Doctors in Rutland are seeing an increase in abuse aimed at GP teams
A survey found 84% of family doctors said their team had suffered verbal abuse
A doctor in Rutland who was held hostage by a patient says GP teams are seeing an increase in abuse from patients.
A survey from The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland found 84% of family doctors said their team had suffered verbal abuse.
28% said them or their team had been the victim of physical violence from patients.
This could be contributing to family doctors leaving the profession one of England's leading medics has suggested.
It was quite surreal at the time, I couldn't believe it was happening
Adam Crowther, chair of the Leicestershire and Rutland medical committee, said:
"More recently I've experienced more verbal threats."
"About 8 years ago I was held hostage by a patient."
"It was quite surreal at the time. I couldn't believe it was happening."
"I think it was more frightening than I cared to think of at the time."
"But I think it was more the need for the individual and not about me."
"You don't really want to come to work to try and do your best for people and be exposed to those behaviours."
"It can lead to people feeling a whole mixture of emotions."
"If it's a physical threat it can make people feel very frightened."
"Some of the more verbal threats might not make people angry but feel sad."
It can make people feel very frightened
The survey also found more than a third of those surveyed said they had suffered racial abuse and 15% said they had been the victim of sexual abuse.
Dr John Holden, chief medical officer at the MDDUS, said:
"Violence and abuse towards NHS staff can have a devastating impact on people already under intense systemic pressure, with many now having to take time off sick or deciding they have no option but to leave their profession completely."
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