"If I die it will be your fault"

This was after health bosses stated that "aggressive behaviour" was continuing from some patients who do not think the facilities have kept pace with the easing of lockdown.

Earlier this month the Motherwell Times flagged up an increase in an abusive approach towards staff in South Lanarkshire surgeries - and it has now emerged that North Lanarkshire premises are also involved.

Health bosses are in fact so concerned that they have signed up to a UK-wide campaign which is spearheaded by a video named after an actual remark to a health worker called "If I Die It Will Be Your Fault."

The hard-hitting mini film has been co-ordinated by the Institute of General Practice Management - and aimed at patients who, for example, object to video and phone consultations.

According to Dr Linda Findlay who is Medical Director of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care, the video puts the focus on "direct threats of violence and withering personal abuse." It comes at a time when demand for services has been termed "exceptional."

Dr Findlay said: “The experience conveyed is sadly all too familiar – with the local experience of colleagues from across Lanarkshire. We have a very clear message to those who would display any form of violent or aggressive behaviour, be it verbal or physical, towards our staff. It never has been tolerated and it will certainly not be tolerated now.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​