Patients asked to be patient in Inverurie due to staff shortages
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The medical practice in Inverurie has taken to social media in an effort to stop abusive behaviour towards reception staff.
Complaints have been vocalised on local social media pages over inability to contact the centre or make appointments, exacerbated by many comments in support who do not experience issues.
Inverurie Medical Group are currently experiencing an “unusually high” rate of staff absences which is affecting their telephone service.
The practice has apologised for the situation but has made it clear that abusive behaviour towards staff will not be tolerated.
In a post on Facebook the practice detailed that reception staff are being subjected to abusive abusive behaviour in person, over the telephone and over social media.
They stated: "The Practice is currently experiencing an unusually high rate of staff absence which is affecting our telephone service.
"We appreciate and apologise for the inconvenience and stress this may cause our patients, however, we must ask that the abusive comments, shouting, and swearing at our Reception Staff via telephone, in person, and on social media must stop.
"Our Staff are simply carrying out instructions and protocols laid down by the Practice, while working under difficult conditions.
"They are also human beings with feelings and the Practice will not tolerate the abuse currently being levelled at them by some patients. This is affecting their ability to carry out their work and causing upset and distress.
"The Practice operates a Zero Tolerance Policy and we will not hesitate to consider removal of a patient from our list or, in certain cases, involving the Police, if this abusive behaviour continues.
"The Practice takes any concerns regarding its service seriously. Therefore, If anyone has concerns about their care we would be grateful if they could raise these with us directly so that we can investigate fully.
"We are currently looking at a review of our service and details will be coming out soon."
