MORE patients are being removed from GP lists in Lothian because of violent or threatening behaviour than in any other part of Scotland.
Official figures released by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon showed 25 patients in the area were removed in 2006-07 because of aggressive behaviour towards GPs or their staff.
The total number across the whole country was 89, and Greater Glasgow,
with 24 removals, was the only other health board area where they reached double figures.
A doctors' leader today called for legal protection which already exists for GPs to be extended to receptionists and surgery staff. The Emergency Workers Act, introduced in 2005 to allow tougher sentences for assaults on police, fire and ambulance staff, was extended earlier this year. Dr Dean Marshall, chairman of the British Medical Association's Scottish General Practitioners Committee and a GP in Dalkeith, said receptionists were often the most at risk of abuse.
He said the figures for removals reflected only the most extreme cases of violent behaviour.
"There are many incidents of abuse or aggressive behaviour every day in GP surgeries and the vast majority do not get reported," he said.
"They have already extended the legislation to cover GPs, which is welcome. But it needs to be extended to staff as well."
Under NHS rules, practices can request the removal of patients who commit violence or put others in fear of their safety.
Lothians Conservative MSP Gavin Brown called for action to protect GPs and their staff.
He said: "Any act that leaves a member of GP staff under fear of attack or in an alarmed state is completely unacceptable.
"Doctors and other medical staff are performing a vital duty and deserve to be able to do it without fear of attack."
NHS Lothian said the high number of removals from GP lists was probably due to the fact doctors were aware there was a specialist practice available at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital to deal with violent patients.
Dr Mike Winter, NHS Lothian associate medical director, said: "We operate a zero-tolerance policy regarding violence and aggression towards healthcare staff.
"To support our staff who are faced with this type of behaviour, NHS Lothian has invested in a Challenging Behaviour Practice which has staff experienced in dealing with patients with challenging behaviour.
"We are encouraged that the majority of our patients treat our staff respectfully and are grateful for the care they receive."
A government spokeswoman said it was "deplorable" for anyone to be attacked while carrying out a vital service to the public.
But on extending the Emergency Workers Act, she said: "The Act has just been extended to cover GPs from April 1 this year.
"If there is an act of violence on any member of the public carrying out their day's work that should be reported to the police as any other assault should be."
The full article contains 487 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
