‘Seriously vandalised’ GP practice has 13 windows smashed in

A GP practice in Sheffield was ‘seriously vandalised’ last weekend with 13 windows and two doors smashed in. 

South Yorkshire police have confirmed an incident took place on Sunday 31 July at lunchtime at the Walkley House Medical Centre which is just outside the city centre.

The offender did not enter the GP practice and had fled the scene by the time officers arrived, according to the police. 

Posting on social media, the practice said that following the incident there was ‘some disruption’ on Monday morning but the building is now functioning as normal for patient appointments. 

A spokesperson for the police force said: ‘On Sunday 31 July at 12:37pm we received reports of windows being smashed at Walkley House Medical Centre on Greenhow Street.

‘It is believed that the offender smashed 13 windows and two doors. He did not enter the building and fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival.’

Walkley House business manager Lynn Rogers wrote on Facebook: ‘Our Walkley House site has been seriously vandalised over the weekend. 

‘Following some disruption yesterday morning, we would like to re-assure patients that the building is safe and is open as usual for your appointments. 

‘The police are investigating the incident and the windows will be restored as soon as possible.’

The investigation underway includes reviewing CCTV footage, and the police have urged anyone with information to report it online, via live chat or by calling 101, quoting incident number 438 of 31 July 2023.

Pulse’s investigation into abuse in March showed that the number of public order offences, along with other types of crimes, had risen at GP practices from 2019 to 2022. 

In May, a police commissioner reached out to local GP leaders due to concerns about rising levels of abuse at practices.

And aggression towards GP receptionists is a ‘frequent and routine’ occurrence in general practice, researchers said last month, while calling for urgent measures to mitigate the harm to staff.

Meanwhile, a recent survey by a medical defence organisation showed that GPs having to tell patients of long waiting lists for hospital treatment face a risk of abuse.