New campaign to protect NHS staff 'Abuse is not in a days work'
Published on: 5th November 2021
We are launching a campaign in NW London to tackle a rise in abuse towards NHS staff ‘Abuse is not in a day’s work’.
These are very challenging times and we are incredibly grateful for the commitment our staff show to patients and the NHS.
Our staff are working hard to care for patients as they continue to deliver the largest vaccination programme in the history of the NHS. We realise some services may have been affected or changed in the way they work and we are seeing patients as quickly as possible.
We also know patients who are unwell or waiting for care are often worried, nervous and frightened. We understand this and our staff are here to help, however unfortunately in some cases our staff aren’t being treated with respect and courtesy. Abuse will not be tolerated and should not be a part of a day’s work for our staff.
We know these are challenging times for everyone. Please be kind as the NHS works differently to care for patients whilst stopping the spread of Covid-19.
Campaign materials
Why is the NHS working differently?
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that GP practices have had to adapt the way they work and how services are provided. The pandemic is yet not over, and so some of these changes are still in place. This has been done to keep you and everyone else safe.
GP services remain very busy, delivering more appointments than ever before.
We are sorry to hear experiences of people struggling to get through on the telephone to speak with us. We appreciate your patience during this difficult period.
If you need to see someone in person, you still can
Our teams in GP practices may need to do an initial assessment over the phone first to keep you and everyone else safe. This helps give you the type of appointment you need:
- to be seen in person
- a phone consultation
- a video consultation
- help from your local pharmacy
As part of this assessment, our receptionists might need to ask you some additional questions. This is to help ensure you get the right care, in the right way, by the right professional. All staff operate according to strict guidelines and work under clinical supervision. You can trust them to treat all information confidentially. Find out more about our receptionists and care navigators here.
More ways to access support
If you’re looking to order repeat prescriptions, you don’t need to call your GP practice to do this. You can now do this online or through the NHS App. Download the NHS App here.
If you have a question about a common ailment, your local pharmacist can give free confidential advice. To find your local pharmacy visit here.
If you’re looking for information about the COVID-19 vaccination and booster programme, click here
