Third of doctors suffered abuse due to pandemic

By a staff reporter

Over a third (35%) of doctors say they have suffered verbal or physical abuse from patients or patients’ relatives during the first wave of Covid-19.

According to a survey of 1,250 private and NHS doctors by the Medical Protection Society, a further 7% have experienced verbal or physical abuse from a member of the public outside of a medical setting.

The defence body described its findings as ‘deplorable’ and said the abuse presents yet another source of anxiety for doctors at the worst possible time. 

In the same MPS survey, two-in-five doctors said their mental wel-being is worse compared to the start of the pandemic.

Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, its medico-legal lead for risk prevention, called the survey results ‘difficult reading’.