Zero Tolerance Policy

Zero Tolerance Policy

The doctor-patient relationship is the cornerstone of clinical care.  For us, at Waterford GP Care to work in partnership with you, we believe it is essential that the relationship is based on mutual respect, openness, good communication and honesty. All employees have the right to be able to perform their duties without fear of abuse or violent acts.

We expect:

• All of our staff to be treated with dignity and respect and will not tolerate
  • Swearing or use of bad language at staff
  • Threats or threatening behaviour
  • Any form of physical violence
  • Verbal abuse
  • Racial abuse and sexual harassment
  • Persistent or unrealistic demands that cause stress

• Patients to be accountable and responsible for following clinical advice on their illness/treatment Patients to be respectful of practice and HSE national policies (e.g., Covid-19 guidance in general practice)
• Patients to be responsible and avoid attending the surgery under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. Any alteration of prescriptions is illegal and will not be tolerated.

• Patients to arrive on time for their schedule appointment. If a patient is running late, we expect to be informed as near to the appointment time as possible.  If a patient is unable to attend their appointment, we expect to be given as much notice as possible. 

• We cannot facilitate continuous consultations where advise or guidance is not followed through by the patient.

• Patients to be respectful to other patients and to be mindful of consultation periods. We allow ten minutes for each GP Consultation unless otherwise stated in advance and run ‘back-to-back consultations’, therefore, having an overrun, impacts negatively on other patients waiting to be seen.

• Patients should be aware of services covered under the GMS contract. Not all services are covered under the GMS contract – common services not covered include the following;
  • Driving Licence Medical & Driving Licence Eye Tests
  • Travel Vaccines
  • Medical examinations or report for legal purposes
  • Examinations relating to Insurance policies
  • Phlebotomy (Blood tests)

Any form of physical/verbal abuse, threatening behaviour will result in a patient being removed from the practice list.