Welshpool Medical Centre has spoken out after a spate of abuse against staff, which it says is happening "on a daily basis".

The practice has issued a statement branding the behaviour towards staff from some members of the public as “unacceptable”.

Their statement also highlighted the ways in which aggressive and abusive language can impact the mental health and wellbeing of its staff.

Gaynor Maclennan, practice manager for Welshpool Medical Centre said: “Every day the Practice Team are receiving verbal abuse from the very people they are trying to help.

“This abuse and aggression is getting worse and it must stop today.

“It is not acceptable for the Practice Team to be subjected to aggressive and abusive language when they are doing their job.

“The words that patients use stay with our Practice Team long after they have finished their days work.

“Some colleagues become hardened to it, some think it’s part of the job and others go home and consider whether they can face another day of rude and aggressive language.”

The practice has stated that it will be taking a zero tolerance policy on any future instances of verbal and physical abuse, with the police recently issuing a warning of intervention.

Gaynor added: “Future outbursts from anyone either on the phone or face to face at our front reception desk or dispensary counter at Welshpool or Guilsfield will result in Police and Powys Teaching Health Board guidance about your continued registration at the Practice.

“Remember the NHS will be able to help you with your needs as long as it is not clogged up with other people's wants. There is an important difference.”