Zero tolerance

The Practice has a zero tolerance policy where a patient arrives at the practice intoxicated with alcohol or drugs. In such an instance the GP will refuse to see the patient and suggest they return sober at a future date.The Practice does not tolerate inappropriate or threatening behaviour towards our staff, other patients/visitors or our healthcare colleagues. Such behaviour from a patient will be investigated and may result in their removal from our patient list.

Situations that justify removal

Ocassionally patients persistently act inconsiderately and their behaviour falls outside that which is normally considered to be reasonable. In such circumstances there may be a complete breakdown in the doctor-patient relationship.

Violence   

When a patient:-

• Is physically violent or threatening towards a doctor, practice staff or other patients on the practice premises.

• Causes physical damage to practice premises or other patient’s property.

• Gives verbal abuse or makes threats towards the doctor, practice staff or other patients.

• Gives racist abuse, orally or physically.

• Is violent or uses or condones threatening behaviour to doctors (or some other members of the primary health care team) while visiting the patient’s home.

Crime & Deception

  Where a patient:

• Fraudulently obtains drugs for non-medical reasons.

• Deliberately lies to the doctor or other member of the primary health care team in order to obtain a service or benefit by deception. (for example - by giving a false name or false medical history)

• Attempts to use the doctor to conceal or aid any criminal activity.

• Steals from practice premises.

Distance                                                   

Central Services Agency will remove those patients from the practice list who have moved out of the designated practice area and have failed to register with a new GP.

Embarkation

Where a patient has moved abroad for a period of 3 months or more.