Suggestions for staying safe

The violence, racism and Islamophobia we’ve seen over the last week has appalled us all – and we know concerns amongst GPs and our teams, especially those living and working in areas of unrest, have been significant. I really hope the strength of anti-racist and anti-fascist feeling we saw on Wednesday evening right across the country means we’re turning a corner, but I know anxieties will be running high for some time.

Being front line patient facing workers, turning up to do our job puts us all at risk of potential abuse. The College has been clear that GPs and our teams – indeed all healthcare professionals – should be able to do their jobs without fear of being attacked or abused, and that both staff and patients deserve to be able to travel to and from surgeries safely.

• Here are some of my suggestions to help you be as safe and vigilant as possible: 
• If possible and appropriate, especially if you’re feeling vulnerable or working in an area where there has been unrest, try to avoid travelling alone.  
• Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and easily accessible at all times. 
• At work, discuss with your practice managers what systems are in place – or could be implemented - to ensure that staff can feel safe in the practice.
• In your consultation rooms, consider rearranging your rooms, so your seat is closest to the door. 
• Have the panic button on your screen easy to access. 
• Call for help early if you feel like a situation is getting heated between you and the patient in front of you. 
• Highlight any abuse you might come across, even verbal, to your practice manager – and if necessary appropriate authorities. 
• Don’t hesitate to seek support from colleagues and support networks offering help.

Whilst as Chair of the RCGP’s Associates in Training Network, this advice is directed at the trainee community, I hope all GPs can find it helpful.

Stay safe and take care.