GP practice affected by ‘repeated’ acts of ‘vandalism and antisocial behaviour’

A GP practice in Essex has condemned ‘repeated’ acts of ‘vandalism’ to its premises, including graffiti and broken windows, as well as ‘strong’ verbal abuse of staff.

Audley Mills GP Surgery in Rayleigh suffered damage to its premises in repeated incidents, including damage to windows and drainpipes.

Practice manager Sally Mason told Pulse that the incidents, which are now being investigated by the police, have left staff and patients ‘visibly affected’. 

She said that dealing with the aftermath has been ‘taking valuable time and resources away from providing patient care’.

She told Pulse: ‘The partners are extremely disappointed by the repeated acts of vandalism and antisocial behaviour involving our surgery and the wider area.  

‘Over recent months, our premises have suffered broken windows, graffiti, damage to drainpipes and our staff have been subjected to strong verbal abuse and our patients are visibly affected. 

‘We would like to apologise to our patients and the wider community for the appearance of the surgery, particularly the graffiti, which does not reflect the welcoming environment we strive to provide.’ 

Essex Police told Pulse it was investigating reports of criminal damage to the GP practice building sustained in June and July. 

A spokesperson said: ‘We are investigating reports of criminal damage at an address in Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, on 16 July 2026. 

‘It was reported a number of suspects damaged windows and acted anti-socially at Audley Mills Pharmacy at about 7pm on 28 June and 7.30pm on Thursday 16 July [the spokesperson clarified that the pharmacy shares the building with the GP practice]. 

‘Our investigation is ongoing and enquiries continue, please contact us quoting 1521 of Thursday 16 July with any information.’ 

Pulse has reported extensively on abuse of GP staff and vandalism of practice premises.