Aggressive comments made by patients have led Watton Medical Practice to address the behaviour.

Some of the comments receptionists have heard include "if I die it’s your fault,” “I want a f****** GP appointment now” and “you’re just a receptionist, you can’t deny me an appointment".

On a post online addressing the abuse, a spokesman for the practice said: "Our team are here to help and support you, and they do not deserve to be spoken to in a disrespectful or aggressive way.

"No member of staff should have to come to work and be spoken to like this.

"We kindly ask all patients to treat our staff with the same respect and kindness that they show to you every day."

They added that patients who repeatedly display abusive or aggressive behaviour towards staff may be de-registered from the practice due to a breakdown in the doctor–patient relationship.

© Eastern Daily Press