A Measham doctor says the level of abuse his staff have had to put up with is the worst he has seen in 25 years.

Kirk Moore GP has posted a lengthy mesage on the Measham Medical Unit website to highlight the problem.

He says the staff at Measham are 'feeling it' and says complaints centre around refusals, a lack of appointments - despite a recent increase - or the length of time it takes to answer the telephone.

Dr Moore also adds that patients could be removed from the practice list as a result.

Dr Moore says: "We have suffered some of the worst abuse in the 25 years I have worked for the NHS and our staff are feeling it.

"Please remember that our staff are carrying out doctors' orders and if we say no to something it is because there is a valid reason or the demand for appointments is outstripping even the increased number we are currently providing.

"If the phones are busy, it is because we are dealing with one of the 11,000+ calls coming into our practice every week.

"Please be mindful that our staff are humans too! #BEKIND.

"The practice has a duty of care for the health and safety of our staff.

"They come to work to care for others and our staff should be treated with courtesy and respect.

"The practice will not tolerate aggressive or violent behaviour towards our staff.

"Anyone giving verbal abuse to members of staff will be warned and if this behaviour continues during that phone call, our staff have been advised and encouraged to hang up on that call if the behaviour remains unchanged.

"A letter will also be sent advising that the behaviour will not be tolerated from our practice manager and this may result in the patient being removed from the practice list."

Dr Moore also provided some facts and figures to make his point to patients - and says there is currently 'no let up'.

He added: "In light of the negative press general practice is currently facing we would like to draw your attention to some figures.

"The amount of appointments the Government says we should have available per week is 75 appointments per 1,000 patients per week.

"The amount of appointments that we are actually providing at Measham Medical Unit is between 125-140 appointments per 1,000 patients per week.

"During the pandemic we have continued with, blood test, smear tests, antenatal care, six-week baby checks, childhood immunisations, and chronic disease reviews.

"We have used a total video/triage model as requested by the Government through the pandemic, BUT have always brought patients in for a face to face review when clinically required.

"We are now busier than ever and there is no let up.

"In addition to all our normal work, we have also staffed the COVID vaccination clinics and are continuing to do flu vaccinations on top of our normal work.

"Once again, please be kind to our staff they are working very hard for patient care."