Patients at a relocated Wigan health clinic are causing 'distress' to staff at a nearby GP surgery
Staff at a Wigan GP surgery have faced “aggressive” behaviour from patients at another clinic following its relocation.
A statement was published on Shevington Surgery’s Facebook page to highlight that it is not “affiliated” with Shevington Clinic and staff cannot help with appointments or queries.
It follows the clinic moving out of the nearby building on Houghton Lane where “major remedial work” is needed and into Physio and Foot Surgery, on Broad o’th’ Lane, Shevington.
The surgery’s statement said: "We kindly ask that all queries relating to the clinic are directed to the appropriate service.
“Recently, we have experienced a number of patients attending our surgery regarding clinic matters, and in some cases behaviour has been aggressive. This is unacceptable and is causing distress to our staff, who are working hard to care for our own patients.
“We respectfully ask that you: do not attend our surgery for Shevington Clinic enquiries; treat our team with courtesy and respect at all times.
"Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.”
As reported last month, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) reviewed the condition of Shevington Clinic and decided to move the phlebotomy and podiatry services to Physio and Foot Surgery .
At the time, a WWL spokesman said: “Independent surveys of the building and car park have identified significant deterioration with major remedial work required. WWL has been advised that relocating the two services from Shevington Clinic to an alternative venue would be the safest immediate option for our staff, patients and visitors.
“It is proposed that from Wednesday, April 1, the phlebotomy and podiatry services will be relocated to the Physio and Foot Surgery, at 18 Broad o’th Lane, Shevington, which is located under half a mile away from the current location.
“On average, 105 patient appointments take place at Shevington Clinic per month. These appointments can be accommodated at the alternative venue, which will be used by the NHS on Monday and Wednesday each week. The new venue will be undergoing refurbishment work to ensure the facilities meet NHS standards.
“There is a free car park opposite the new clinic, along with a bus stop and pedestrian crossing directly outside.”