Receptionist Colin Chant handed in his notice at a doctor’s surgery in Holyhead as its GP crisis reaches boiling point
This is an edited version of an article first published by the Mirror.
A doctor ‘s receptionist has spoken out after quitting his job because of rising levels of abuse from patients.
Colin Chant, 38, handed in his notice at Cambria Surgery in Holyhead, Anglesey, after he was reduced to tears in his car at the end of every shift.
Chant worked at the surgery for three years, but a sudden lack of doctors in the town has led to the health board taking over two of its three GP surgeries, including Cambria.
The growing stress around the situation has led to some patients becoming increasingly rude and abusive, pushing Chant to breaking point.
It prompted him to post a brutally honest account of what GP staff are having to put up with on Facebook.
“I am currently suffering from severe depression and anxiety issues.
“For those of you who I have dealt with and helped in the last few years, this might come as a surprise as I have always tried to maintain a high level of professionalism and courtesy to all of you.
“However, it has become impossible for me to maintain this, as the regular verbal abuse I receive from patients when we are unable to give an appointment with a GP or a nurse has caused my issues to intensify to the point where I cry in the my car at the end of a shift.
“I am NOT blaming you at all, but I write this in the hope that I will help you realise that each and every person working in this surgery is doing their very best to provide the best service they can to you, under extremely difficult circumstances.
“This goes from the practice manager to the cleaning staff.
“I feel you also need to remember that the staff are all also patients as well and so have a real understanding of your frustrations and the reasons behind them.
“Please think twice about what you are saying as people like myself who ALWAYS try to go the extra mile and help you as patients are suffering.
“I was proud to be an employee at Cambria Surgery and, no matter what, I always tried to do my best and go the extra mile for everyone, even though sometimes it wasn’t really appreciated.
“I hope by writing this I make you take a moment to think before having another go at already stressed staff.
“Remember: at the end of the day, they are only human.”
Chant’s post has been shared over 100 times and prompted a wave of support.
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