Zero Tolerance Policy

Our Commitment

Kinsealy Medical Centre operates a zero tolerance policy with regard to violence, aggression, and abusive behaviour directed at any member of our team. All staff have the right to carry out their work free from harassment, intimidation, or assault of any kind.

What This Policy Covers

This policy applies to all forms of unacceptable behaviour, including but not limited to:

• Physical violence or threats of violence against staff or other patients
• Verbal abuse, including shouting, swearing, or using offensive language
• Racial, sexual, or other discriminatory abuse
• Harassment or intimidation of any staff member
• Damage to practice property
• Behaviour that unreasonably disrupts the running of the practice

Consequences

Any patient who engages in violent, threatening, or abusive behaviour towards staff or other patients will be asked to leave the premises immediately. We reserve the right to remove such patients from the practice list and, where appropriate, to report incidents to An Garda Síochána.

We understand that patients may sometimes be in pain, distressed, or frustrated. We will always attempt to handle difficult situations with empathy and professionalism. However, unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated regardless of the circumstances.

Reporting an Incident

If you witness or experience any incident of aggression or abuse within the practice, please notify a member of staff immediately. All incidents are recorded and reviewed by the Practice Manager.

Complaints Procedure

If you have a complaint about your care or experience at the practice, we encourage you to raise it with us directly. Please speak to our Practice Manager or submit a written complaint to reception. We will acknowledge your complaint within 5 working days and aim to resolve it within 30 days.

Alternatively, you can contact the HSE Patient Advocacy Service or the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).