GP surgeries should be safe havens, where patients feel respected, listened to, and cared for.  However, instances of abuse within GP surgeries can shatter this trust, leaving patients feeling vulnerable and afraid - I know as I have experienced it firsthand from several Doctors within the same surgery.

These are people I thought I could trust and would never behave like that.

It is imperative that we address this issue head-on to ensure that GP surgeries throughout the UK remain places of healing and comfort.

Reports and studies indicate that abuse within healthcare settings, including GP surgeries, is an increasing problem.  This not only affects the mental well-being of patients but also impacts their likelihood of seeking further medical assistance, potentially exacerbating health issues.

Abuse can take many forms:

• verbal disrespect;
• refusing to apologise;
• gaslighting;
• medical gaslighting;
• exploitation;
• invalidation;
• degradation;
• isolation techniques;
• breaches of privacy;
• dishonesty;
• oppression;
• withholding information;
• withholding test results;
• intimidation;
• stone-walling;
• MR interference;
• coercive control;
• physical attacks;
• unprofessional conduct;
• mis-use of Local Medical Committees (LMC)/MDU bodies to hide behind when complaints arise or escalate; to evade accountability;
• discrimination;
• Homophobia/racism;
• Scare tactics;
• neglect of duty and failure to provide appropriate medical care;
• denying a Local Resolution Meeting where the responsible parties should apologise (LRM);
• not working alongside secondary care, at detriment to a patient

A very serious further matter is 'Accountability Gaps', which is an insidious further form of abuse (not only unfair to a patient on the already receiving of abuse but to other patients and the overall reputation of the profession): this is when subsequent leadership of said Doctor(s) under several complaints, is elected in 'the dark', or on 'the quiet', despite unresolved or persistent complaints; maybe on PCNs or LMCs or within surgeries themselves - subsequent discoveries of this; create severe friction; further hurt and demonstrate how organisations/bodies 'protect' internal members rather than addressing public/patient concerns and putting things right.  

With around 41,000 GPs practicing in approximately 7,000 surgeries in the UK, it is crucial to establish a robust system for reporting abuse, ensuring accountability and transparency.  This is needed as those who abuse find all ways of concealing and covering their tracks.

We propose the following actionable steps:

1. Establish a dedicated, anonymous reporting system for patients who have experienced abuse, ensuring protection and confidentiality.
2. Implement mandatory training for all GP surgery staff on recognizing, preventing, and addressing abuse; to look for signs of it within their organisations - Practice Managers need to uphold their duties; keep a log of all complaints against GPs (including partners within their own surgery) by patients/members of staff and eacalate higher - that is part of their role.  Do not engage in 'Internal Workarounds': this is for crucial staff who notice abusive behavior and choose informal workarounds (such as chaperoning specific Doctors or avoiding placing vulnerable patients around them) rather than initiating a formal reporting process. 

You must report it - do not fear retaliations; report outside of your surgery.  It is a moral obligation.

3. Develop a comprehensive review process to investigate reports of abuse swiftly and fairly, with consequences for instances of misconduct.

I stress consequences because despite reports made, at times, those in power within organisations, can turn a blind eye or even manipulate reports of abuse owing to varying factors and conflicts of interests.

In Doctors' surgeries, there should be leaflets/flyers distributed/placed on walls so a patient can know who to report to, if not directly to the surgery for fear of consequences.  Healthwatch; GMC; CQC; ICB; advocacy services being some of the relevant bodies to report to.   The ICB is crucial here as you may not feel you can report to the surgery directly - you do have a choice under legislation: file complaint with either your surgery or the ICB.  You cannot do both however.

Placing leaflets/flyers about abuse in general or on noticeboards; and agencies specialising in abuse should be made public in waiting rooms - knowing where to turn.  Maybe you need someone to talk to first to give you the courage to report formally - these outside organisations are skilled at recognising abuse.

By signing this petition, you are joining us in urging healthcare authorities and the NHS to prioritize patient safety and dignity in GP surgeries. Ensuring a respectful and supportive environment for patients is essential for their health and trust in the healthcare system. 

Please sign and share this petition to drive change and make GP surgeries safe for everyone.