We treat our patients with courtesy and respect and ask the same in return. We ask that you treat your GP and all other Practice Staff courteously– without violence, abuse or harassment.

Bayside Medical takes it very seriously if any member of staff is treated in an abusive or violent way. GPs and their staff have the right to be able to perform their duties and care for others without fear of being attacked or abused.

We would respectfully remind patients that staff are often confronted with a multitude of tasks and situations, all at the same time. The staff understand that ill patients do not always act in a reasonable manner and will take this into consideration when trying to deal with a misunderstanding or complaint. However, any aggressive behaviour which causes staff to feel uncomfortable, embarrassed or threatened, be it violent or abusive verbally or physically, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated, and may result in you being removed from the Practice list.

Our Zero Tolerance policy includes aggression or threats made in person, over the telephone or in written communication. Bayside Medical considers unacceptable behaviour to be:

• Attempted or actual, aggressive threatening physical actions made towards any member of staff

• The use of aggressive, threatening or abusive language which threatens or intimidates staff

• Shouting or use of raised voice

• Hostile or aggressive behaviour

• Any comments of a personal nature made to members of staff or other patients, more specifically but not limited to racial abuse or sexual harassment

• Causing damage/stealing from the Practice's premises, staff or patients

• Obtaining drugs and/or medical services fraudulently

• Disrespectful or offensive use of social media

Persistent or unrealistic demands that cause stress to staff will not be accepted. Requests will be met wherever possible and explanations given when they cannot.

Any instance or threat of physical abuse will be reported to the police. The offender will be removed from the premises by the police. The patient will then be removed from the Practice list and the HSE will be notified so they can inform the patient that they must register elsewhere.

Instances of abusive/threatening behaviour will be reported to the Practice Manager and recorded and patients may receive a written Formal Warning. In the event of a second recorded offence, patients will receive a Final Warning informing them of their breach of Zero Tolerance Policy and they may be removed from the Practice list.