A health centre which has administered more than 33,000 coronavirus vaccinations has hit back at abuse levelled against its staff, which it says has forced some to quit.

Greensand Health Centre, which operates surgeries at Heath Road, Coxheath, Maidstone, and Boughton Lane, Loose, issued a no-nonsense statement yesterday and said those responsible could be struck from its register.

The practice, which runs a Covid vaccination centre too, clapped back at "derogatory" online comments, which include claims its doors have been closed for three years, suggestions patients cannot see a clinician face-to-face, comments implying the Loose branch is due to be shut down and suggestions services to old Orchard patients are “appalling” - all of which were refuted.

The health centre - which has around 14,000 patients - also points out such comments are not only in breach of the Patient Code of Conduct, but also demoralising and potentially damaging to the GP practice.

“We are fortunate at Greensand Health Centre that we have a hard-working, dedicated team of staff that has enabled us to grow and therefore secure the funding to move into a brand-new purpose-built surgery,” the statement said.

“We have recently lost several reception team staff through resignations which are a direct result of the daily verbal abuse they have received, both on the telephone and at the reception desk. We understand sometimes people get frustrated but this does not excuse this type of behaviour.

“No-one comes to work to be abused and we are, therefore, no longer going to tolerate this unacceptable behaviour.

“Please consider this post as us serving notice that, when we are alerted to any abuse of the above nature, one possible consequence could result in you being removed from our patient list.

“If you are dissatisfied with the service we provide, you are able to complain using the formal process outlined on our website.”

Greensand also says there has been “a significant increase” in patients not turning up for appointments without providing a reason and says tougher action will be taken against those doing this in their passionate message.

The 761-word long statement also said: “Contrary to national news coverage, we are working hard, providing core services as well as running Covid vaccination clinics.”

As well as administering thousands of Covid vaccinations on behalf of four local practices, it has given 4,000 flu jabs since October and, during November, undertook 1,269 consultations - 762 were face-to-face while 507 were conducted over the phone.

The statement from the GP practice added: “We are far from idle or avoiding providing a service - as some would have you believe.

“No-one works in primary care if they do not have a passion to help and care for people.

“We would end by stating we know that the majority of our patients are polite and courteous, and we give our heartfelt thanks to those of you who support us in our efforts and endeavours.”

In a statement, the NHS Kent and Medway CCG said abuse levelled at staff by "a small minority" was driving people away from the NHS - at a time when they are needed the most.

"NHS staff across Kent and Medway are reporting more incidents of the abuse they face when they go into work," it read.

"We have seen a rise in abusive behaviours in all settings. The NHS is extremely busy at the moment and we know people are struggling to get through on phones and to get appointments.

"We also know some people don’t agree with being asked to wear face covering but none of this is an excuse to be abusive to another human being trying to do their job.

"That’s why NHS leaders across Kent and Medway launched a campaign in November to alert people to the abuse NHS workers are facing from a small minority of people, and to ask them to stop and think about the impact their actions have.

"We cannot accept verbal or physical abuse towards our workforce.

"The reality is that this unacceptable behaviour of a small minority is driving people out of the NHS at exactly the time we need them most, so making things harder for everyone.

"Our staff are there to help - not be abused."

This is not the first time health staff have reported receiving abuse throughout the pandemic.

In July, Headcorn Surgery said it was getting daily abuse, which ranged from unreasonable demands to threats of violence.

Last year, those working at Park Surgery in Herne Bay were sworn at on a daily basis throughout August, as measures were brought in during the pandemic.