RCGP Chair calls out ‘horrific and completely unacceptable’ attacks on healthcare workers

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: "We have been shocked and appalled by the civil unrest, criminality and racist attacks we have seen across the UK in recent days. We're particularly concerned to hear reports of GPs, members of their teams and other healthcare professionals, especially those from ethnic minorities, being targeted with abuse and violence. This is horrific and completely unacceptable.

"Healthcare professionals dedicate their lives to caring for people in need. They deserve to be able to do their jobs without fear of being attacked or abused – and both staff and patients deserve to be able to travel to and from surgeries safely.

"We advise GPs and their team members to remain vigilant, particularly when traveling to and from work. Where possible and appropriate, travel in groups, avoid known areas of unrest, and keep your mobile phones charged and accessible. We urge all healthcare professionals to report any incidents of abuse or violence to the appropriate authorities immediately."

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.