THREATS of physical violence – including a threat of sexual assault – are among a vile rising tide of abuse directed towards staff working in GP practices across the district. 

People have also threatened to cause harm to family members of staff, while some workers - the same people who were being clapped at the height of the pandemic - also face “numerous and regular verbal abuse, from name calling through to aggressive swearing”. 

One man, who wished to remain anonymous, works in a number of GP surgeries in the city and said: “Abuse is a daily thing and a lot of our staff seem to see this as normal now.

"If you can’t do exactly what the patients want you get abuse and threats. We’ve had patients trying to kick doors in and smash the glass in the door. We’ve previously had patients lock a GP inside his room and refuse to let him out until he gets the medication he wants, rather than what has been offered.”

And a receptionist who said she does not work in Bradford due to the abuse she received, added: "Patients need to realise our hands are tied on what we can do for them, we are asked to ask a patient what their problem is for signposting purposes, and who to book their appointment with."

She said she would never work in Bradford again because of the threats she received and had been followed home once because she was unable to give an appointment that wasn't available.

Another receptionist, who has worked in a GP surgery for six years, told us: "The general public have absolutely no clue what goes on inside a GP surgery and they really don't consider the person's feelings behind the desk or telephone.

"The NHS is on its knees and GP surgeries are being stretched to their limit. People are angry, understandably, but they really are taking it out on the wrong people."

Health bosses in Bradford have now joined together to send a message out that abuse and aggression towards staff is unacceptable. People are being urged to think about the impact of their actions on staff who are already under pressure.

It comes amid mounting frustration about access to appointments, which many T&A readers have voiced concern and anger over.

The NHS in Bradford says services are open and ready to help, but there is increased demand against a backdrop of the continued challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Therese Patten, chief executive for Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are concerned with the level of abuse and aggression that people are facing in our GP practices and we ask people to consider their actions. 

“Our colleagues are also someone’s mother, father, sister or brother and this has an impact on their life outside work. 

“Our local NHS organisations are working together to consider all available options to increase capacity and see people as soon as possible across all our services.”

The Act as One health and care partnership says GP practices are providing more appointments than they did pre-pandemic.

They say latest figures show that almost 85,000 additional people are being seen when comparing figures for April to August 2019 to April to August 2021.

Plus, they say the majority, around 60 per cent, are seen face-to-face where it is “clinically appropriate” to do so after an initial assessment by telephone or video consultation. 

Health chiefs in Bradford say services are working differently to protect patients and staff, while infection control measures which are still needed have  an impact on capacity.

Dr James Thomas, a local GP and clinical chair of NHS Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “General practice is open and has been throughout the pandemic, but due to Covid-19 the way patients are seen in the NHS has changed.

"We have to take several steps to prevent the spread of infections to people who are frail, vulnerable and sick. These are the people we tend to see the most of in general practice.

"This means that every appointment that is face to face takes longer as we have to wipe down chairs and couches, clean rooms and change PPE after each patient. We are also unable to have lots of people in waiting rooms at any one time due to essential social distancing.

"The last thing we want is to bring people into our practices that may have Covid-19 and put either our patients or staff, at risk of that infection.” 

Mel Pickup, chief executive for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, acknowledged that when people experience difficulties accessing health care, or face long waits, it causes anxiety and impacts on people’s lives.

She said: “So all NHS partners are working together to treat the most urgent patients and those waiting longest. In hospitals, community services and GP practices we continue to treat people online, over the phone – as well as seeing them in person when needed – so people can get the help they need without putting them at risk of Covid-19.”

Brendan Brown, chief executive for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, added: “As we continue to see the impact of the pandemic on people’s health and wellbeing, higher numbers of people need care. We understand people’s frustrations, we’re doing all we can to see you as soon as we can while ensuring your care is provided in a low risk environment.” 

Have you experienced abuse and aggression while working in a GP surgery? We want to hear from you. Email felicity.macnamara@telegraphandargus.co.uk