A man has been arrested following a ‘violent attack’ at a practice in Sheffield, where two GP registrars were assaulted with a baseball bat.
South Yorkshire Police officers were called to reports of an assault at Woodhouse Medical Centre in Sheffield yesterday afternoon (1 November) around 4.40pm.
The force said it had received reports that a man ‘assaulted two medical staff’ with a baseball bat while inside the medical centre.
Pulse understands that the practice had to close for over half an hour yesterday and it is open for telephone appointments only this morning following the incident.
A message to patients trying to reach the practice via telephone said: ‘Following yesterday’s violent attack on practice staff, all new appointments will be telephone only. If you already have an appointment you may still attend the practice as normal.’
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: ‘A 63-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of two counts of assault occasion actual bodily harm and possession of offensive weapon. He remains in police custody at this time.
‘No one was serious injured during the incident. Enquiries are currently ongoing, and anyone with any information that might to help officers with their enquiries, is asked to call 101 and quote incident number 666 of 1 November 2023.’
A spokesperson for Woodhouse Health Centre, said: ‘We can confirm there was an incident at the practice on the afternoon of 1 November, which is subject to a police investigation. Our focus at this time is on supporting the wellbeing and safety of our staff.
‘Our staff continue to go above and beyond to provide the best care possible for our patients and deserve to feel safe when they come to work.
‘We will not tolerate any abuse or violence at the practice and will take appropriate action to ensure our staff are safe.
‘Everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect and free from harassment, violence, and abuse.’
Pulse’s investigation into the effects of abuse earlier this year showed a 16% rise in crimes involving violence at GP surgeries since 2019, after a drop in incidents during the pandemic.
So- ABH, but no one seriously hurt. Clearly injuries to GPs don’t count.
What was the reason for the assault?——-or is that a secret
JGM Assault is assault period & never appropriate. Most people don’t walk about or visit Dr with a baseball bat unless there is element of intent/premeditation.
Regardless 100% unacceptable.
Hope those involved get appropriate support.
Iain Chalmers——Agreed——but I’d still like to know—– wouldn’t you?
Did anyone else notice the incident number?
666
Clearly even the Police regard this assault as evil.
The attacked doctors now likely to have a GMC investigation as they clearly didn’t meet the unrealistic expectations of the assailant and needs further training, reflection will need to appologise to the “victim” in this incident.
The reason for the assault was that the patient had delusional ideas about the management of his parent’s final illness
.