DOCTORS are urging patients to be tolerant and not to be abusive towards staff after staff have suffered an increase in ‘rude and aggressive behaviour’.

GPs at Abbey Road Surgery and Duke Street Surgery in Barrow have both issued a warning that verbal aggression will not be tolerated by any staff member.

The surgeries both reported a spate of ‘rude and aggressive behaviour’ which is ‘upsetting’ to the reception, administrative team and clinicians.

A spokesman for Abbey Road Surgery said: “We have found over the past few weeks that tolerances have now become very low. People are really tired of the ever changing regulations that we all have to adhere to and the restrictions that the pandemic is putting us all under, but as a consequence, we appear to be on the receiving end of some rather rude and aggressive behaviour.

"This is upsetting not only to the reception and administrative team, but is also being aimed at our clinicians.

“This cannot continue. We totally understand that people are losing patience. Life is incredibly frustrating at the moment. However, verbal aggression will not be tolerated and arguing and being rude with the reception team is not helpful to anyone.”

Both surgeries are urging patients to be ‘kind and tolerant’ when dealing with staff members.

The spokesman added: “We must all do our bit to control the virus and we are very grateful to the majority of patients who accept this way of working. One day things will ease. Please be kind, please be tolerant and please stay safe.”