STOURPORT medical centre has slammed the ‘hurtful, personal’ comments that have been posted about staff on social media.
The centre on Dunley Road has taken to Facebook to post a message to patients and other members of the community, during which they said they are growing ‘increasingly concerned’ by the online comments.
The statement claimed the ‘personal’ comments about staff were proving upsetting to those who are coming to work and caring for patients.
It further claimed that there has been public criticism naming and identifying individual members of staff.
The statement added: “If you have a legitimate complaint or concern about your care, please contact us directly.
“We take feedback seriously and will always try to resolve issues appropriately.
“Posting grievances on social media does not solve problems and can cause unnecessary distress.
“We ask people to stop and think before posting.
“How would you feel if comments like these were made publicly about you or someone you care about?”
The post goes on to say that staff were doing the best they could under immense pressure.
Stourport Medical Centre currently operates a GP-led triage system, designed to ensure that patients with the greatest clinical need are seen first.
Staff at the centre said that this was the only fair and safe way we can manage the level of demand we currently face.
The social media post added: “We will not accept the naming of individual staff members or identifying them by their job title on social media.
“This behaviour is unacceptable.
“Whilst everyone is entitled to an opinion, we draw a clear line at personal targeting or false allegations.
“We are aware of those who are making these comments, and we would encourage those individuals to reflect on the impact of their words.
“Public criticism of named or identifiable staff is not fair, not constructive, and not something we can ignore.
“Our team works in extremely challenging conditions and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Stourport Medical Centre provides care and treatment to 22,000 patients living in the area.
In its latest review by the Quality Care Commission, in September 2024, the medical centre was rated good across the board for safety, effectiveness, and being caring, responsive and well-led.
