Oakham Medical Practice front desk closed due to 'verbal abuse and physical intimidation'

GPs at a town surgery have closed the front desk because of "excessive verbal abuse and physical intimidation" of staff.

A sign has been put up telling patients of Oakham Medical Practice to check themselves in for appointments using a computer screen in the foyer of the surgery.

A statement on the surgery website confirms the decision, saying: "Our front desk is now closed.

"Due to excessive verbal abuse and physical intimidation of our patient services team, the partners have made the decision to close our front desk. Patients with booked appointments can check in using the screen in the foyer.

"For any other queries, please see our contact us page for the different ways in which you can get in touch.

"Our patients services team are working extremely hard and should not have to tolerate abuse. Please be mindful of the way in which you speak to all members of our team.

"The partners will reassess the situation in one month."

Coun Samantha Harvey, chairman of the Rutland Health and Wellbeing Board, said: "Frontline health and care workers do a difficult job and should not have to face threats or intimidation.

"Oakham Medical Practice has a duty of care towards its staff and its patients. I hope the situation has improved when the practice comes to review this decision in a month’s time.”

The Mercury has tried to contact the practice manager for comment.