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“We are completely understanding that people are stressed and emotional but, in order for us to help at the best of our ability, we need people to stay calm.”

That was the message from Petworth Surgery, which has seen an increase in aggressive and threatening behaviour from patients during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a post on social media this week, the surgery wrote: “It is such a shame we have to make a point of this.

“Although the majority of our patients greet us with kindness and understanding, we have seen an increase of aggressive, rude [and] threatening behaviour from some of our patients which is just not on!

Petworth surgery reassures patients. Pic Steve Robards SR2009222 SUS-200922-174107001

“We have ZERO tolerance towards violent, threatening or abusive behaviour.”

Hafiza Bhabha, practice manager, said that although she understands the stress caused by the pandemic, the ‘spike in more rude behaviour’ is ‘not acceptable’.

She added: “We are aware that there has been difficulties accessing the surgery because of the pandemic.

“At the same time, we are always trying to help and fill the gaps where needed.

Petworth doctors’ surgery sends out message to abusive patients