A CAMPAIGN reminding people to treat hospital staff with respect has been launched by the Great Western Hospital Foundation Trust.

At busy times patients and visitors can experience longer waits or difficulty finding a parking space, on occasions leading to some people taking out their frustration on the very people who are there to help.

The trust’s Respect Us campaign has been designed to act as a reminder that any form of verbal or physical abuse is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

The annual NHS Staff Survey showed that 30 per cent of the 456 staff who responded in 2014, had experienced harassment, bullying or abuse from patients, visitors or other members of the public.

Andy Wells, the trust’s security management specialist, said: "As we approach what is a very busy time for everyone, we want to remind everyone that our staff are here to help and always do their best for patients and visitors.

“Apart from the immediate upset to the individual, rude, threatening and aggressive behaviour can cause longer term stress and drive hardworking people out of the NHS at a time when recruitment is a challenge.

“Please be patient and remember our staff are here to help you and are doing their very best, often in very challenging circumstances.”

Dr Stephen Haig, Emergency Department consultant at the Great Western Hospital, who has experienced both physical and verbal abuse, said: "When something like that happens, it just makes you and the rest of the team feel awful. It makes this job so much more difficult than it already is.

"As doctors and nurses, we are here to help people who are sick and injured and it's completely unacceptable when the very people we are trying to help are rude, aggressive or violent.

"It's not only upsetting for staff, but can be distressing for other patients and cause delays."

A car parking attendant at the Great Western Hospital, said: “Working in the car park, my colleague and I often experience swearing, offensive language and aggressive behaviour and only recently someone spat in my face.

“We don’t deserve this and it does get you down after a while.

"I’ve lived in Swindon 40 years and what upsets me most is the thought that some of these people are my fellow Swindonians.

“I know when we’re busy it’s frustrating, but we’re human beings doing a job and we’re here to help you. Please put yourself in our shoes and show us the respect you would expect yourself.”

Patients who continue to be abusive despite a warning can be refused treatment and face tough penalties including police prosecution.

People can show their support this holiday season by using #RespectUs on Twitter and Facebook.