Mersea Island Medical Practice

Our Commitment

At Mersea Island Medical Practice we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone.

We believe that every patient, visitor, member of staff, volunteer, contractor, and healthcare professional has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to ensuring that our surgery is free from sexual harassment, intimidation, abuse, and inappropriate behaviour.

We operate a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment in any form.

What Is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Unwanted sexual comments, jokes, or gestures.

• Inappropriate remarks about a person’s appearance or body.

• Unwelcome sexual advances or requests.

• Unwanted physical contact or touching.

• Displaying or sharing sexually explicit material.

• Sending inappropriate messages or images.

• Sexual intimidation or coercion.

• Any other behaviour of a sexual nature that makes another person feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or threatened.

Sexual harassment may occur in person, by telephone, in writing, online, or through social media.

Our Expectations

We expect everyone attending or working within our surgery to:

• Treat others with courtesy, dignity, and respect.

• Maintain professional boundaries.

• Respect personal space and privacy.

• Behave in a way that supports a safe and welcoming environment.

If Sexual Harassment Occurs

Any allegation of sexual harassment involving patients, visitors, or staff will be taken seriously.

Where appropriate, we will:

• Listen to concerns sensitively and respectfully.

• Investigate reported incidents fairly and promptly.

• Take appropriate action to protect those affected.

• Support individuals who experience sexual harassment.

• Report matters to external authorities where required.

Consequences of Unacceptable Behaviour

Sexual harassment towards staff, patients, or visitors will not be tolerated.

Depending on the circumstances, action may include:

• Being asked to stop the behaviour immediately.

• Removal from the premises.

• Restriction or withdrawal of access to non-emergency services where appropriate and in accordance with NHS guidance.

• Reporting the matter to the police where a criminal offence may have been committed.

• Other action in line with applicable NHS policies and legal requirements.

Supporting Our Staff and Patients

We are committed to creating a culture where concerns can be raised without fear.

Anyone who experiences or witnesses sexual harassment is encouraged to report it to a member of our team. All concerns will be treated seriously and handled as confidentially as possible.

Working Together

Everyone has a role in creating a safe, respectful, and compassionate healthcare environment.

By treating one another with kindness, courtesy, and respect, we help ensure that our surgery remains a safe place for patients, staff, and the wider community.

Thank you for helping us maintain a respectful environment where everyone feels safe and valued.