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Front-line health workers at some local medical centres are bearing the brunt of patients’ anger over mask wearing requirements.
Coast to Coast health care director Dr Tim Malloy describes the level of abuse as “diabolical”. He says the anger and intolerance is escalating the longer the requirements continue, and he has appealed to the public for more understanding.
“Covid has not gone,” he says. “People are still getting sick and staff are getting Covid just like everyone else. The only realistic option to stop the spread is mask wearing, and PPE for staff.”
Dr Malloy says the language that receptionists, in particular, are being exposed to is totally unacceptable.
Coast to Coast clinics have set up a separate pathway for patients who refuse to wear a mask, so their health needs can be attended to. However, in cases where a person refuses to cooperate and continues to be abusive, they are being forced to call police or issue trespass notices.
Dr Malloy says staff come to work to help people so coping with the current level of abuse is taking its toll on morale.
While mask wearing is optional but encouraged in crowded places, the government has mandated that people entering medical clinics, pharmacies, hospitals and dental and oral health services must wear a mask.
