A MEDICAL group is continuing to be plagued by abuse from patients.

Silloth Group Medical Practice have raised concerns a number of times and pleaded with patients to be kind.

However, they've now said this warning is not being listened to.

A spokesman for the practice said: "Despite our previous post regarding the amount of abuse that our staff are receiving here at the surgery, we regret to say that this is still continuing on a level that is totally unacceptable.

"Our staff are working very hard dealing with an unprecedented number of telephone calls each morning.

"We are well aware of how frustrating this is for patients when calling for an appointment only to be told that the appointments for the day have gone.

"If this is the case and you feel that you need speak to a GP the same day please explain this to the receptionist who will pass your concerns onto the GP for advice.

"Please also bear in mind that we are dealing with Covid boosters and are also in the middle of a flu campaign which all have to be organised and staffed.

"The 'on the day' telephone appointments are being abused by patients who are using this time to discuss longstanding issues that could be booked into a routine afternoon appointment leaving the 'on the day' appointments free for those who really need to be contacted/seen that same day.

"We are also receiving numerous requests from patients who only wish to see a particular doctor and refuse to see anyone else. These requests will not be tolerated and we will not be held to ransom with these requests.

"We have a duty doctor on call every day to deal with emergencies and it will be this doctor who will see you.

"We know that this only relates to a small number of patients and that most of our patients are understanding and mindful of the staff that are here to help you and we appreciate this.

"Our staff do not deserve to be treated this way and any patient who is abusive or aggressive towards our staff will receive a letter informing them that if this behaviour continues then they will be removed from our list.

"Please be kind to our staff - they are here to help you."