A SURGERY in Chard has seen an increase in 'abusive' and 'violent' behaviour over the past few weeks.

Springmead Surgery has reminded patients that the surgery takes this abuse very seriously and it will not be tolerated.

The abuse is either face-to-face or during a telephone call.

They say offenders may be removed from the surgery list and in extreme cases, the police will be contacted.

"Whilst we understand that the current pandemic has affected us in different ways, we would like to remind all that it costs nothing to be kind and respectful," said a spokesperson for Springmead Surgery.

"The surgery supports the government's 'Zero Tolerance' campaign for Health Service Staff.

"This states that GPs and their staff have a right to care for others without fear of being attacked or abused.

"To successfully provide these services a mutual respect between all the staff and patients has to be in place."

The surgery says the staff aim to be polite, helpful and sensitive to patients needs and circumstances.

"They would respectfully remind patients that very often staff could be confronted with a multitude of varying and sometimes difficult tasks and situations, all at the same time," the spokesperson added.

"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."