Zero Tolerance Summary

Our zero-tolerance policy is in place to safeguard our dedicated staff, patients, and their families from any form of physical or verbal violence or aggression.

SDHC staff will always aim to be polite, helpful, and sensitive to all patients’ individual needs and circumstances. We would respectfully remind patients that very often staff could be confronted with a multitude of varying and sometimes difficult tasks and situations, all at the same time.

Aggressive behaviour, be it violent or abusive, will not be tolerated. You will be asked to leave our services and the Police may be contacted. If abusive behaviour is repetitive, you may not be able to access our services in the future.

We would like to ask all our patients to read and take note of the types of behaviour that would be found unacceptable:

• Using bad language or swearing at staff.
• Any physical violence towards any member of our staff or other patients, such as pushing or shoving.
• Verbal abuse towards staff or patients in any form
• Racial abuse and sexual harassment will not be tolerated within SDHC services.
• Persistent or unrealistic demands that cause stress to staff will not be accepted. Requests will be met wherever possible, and explanations given when they cannot.
• Causing damage/stealing from SDHC premises, staff or patients.
• Obtaining drugs and/or medical services fraudulently.
• We ask you to always treat our staff courteously.