SOCIAL media spats have led to a number of patients being removed from a Thurrock doctor's practice lists, which in turn has led to a statement from the regional clinical commissioning group (CCG) that highlights concerns about abusive behaviour.

The problem has been centre stage in a digital debate, with many caustic comments, over relationships between patients and the GP surgery in Orsett. It was sparked by social media comments about delays in answering phone calls and has since developed into bitter and personal accusations.

One resident, since banned along with members of his family which includes a child with special medical needs, has admitted to comments which include: "Make a complaint to the idiot of a manager as the place has gone downhill since she has been there."

Other, more personally abusive messages, have been posted about individual members of staff at the surgery.

Thurrock Nub News has seen some of the messages but does not feel appropriate to repeat them – though the number of complaints suggests the practice itself has been guilty of some failings. And retribution from the surgery has extended to banning family members of those who it has judged have made unfair comments.

At the request of many residents, we asked the practice for a statement. Our request was referred to Thurrock CCG which says: "Following an increase in abusive behaviour towards primary care staff, doctors in Thurrock and wider mid and south Essex have spoken out."

It added:

Dr Ronan Fenton, local doctor and medical director for the mid and south Essex Health and Care Partnership, said: "Whilst we can appreciate it may at times feel frustrating having to wait longer than anticipated for appointments, nobody deserves to be put in a position where they receive any form of abuse whilst undertaking their work duties to support patients and the local community.

"There is now increasing demand due to escalating long term health issues and continued back log due to COVID, I ask people to just be kind. But we all deserve to work in an environment free from abuse."

"We are seeing an increase in phone calls and appointments compared to pre-pandemic levels. In Thurrock there is now 7% increase in appointments in quarter 3 of 2021/22 that's 259,000 appointments compared with 241,000 in the same quarter of 2019/2020." 

To support Thurrock residents in making the most of local health services, the Mid and South Essex Health and Care Partnership has put together a page of advice, about using the NHS App to book appointments, where to go for mental health support, and using NHS111 online or call 111 for urgent advice and support. Find out more here: https://www.msehealthandcarepartnership.co.uk/gps/"