A RISE in "unacceptable behaviour" has led to an Oswestry GP surgery pulling one of its voluntary blood clinics from next week.

Cambrian Medical Centre, based in Thomas Savin Road – off Oswald Road – will no longer provide a walk-in blood service because of a rise in anti-social behaviour.

A spokesman for the surgery said that the clinic was put on to benefit those who were not able to make an appointment but added that the surgery will now operate a booking-only system.

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They said: “It is with regret that the practice has decided to withdraw our walk-in blood service, and it will now close on Friday, April 26.

“This was a service we did not have to provide but felt it would benefit our patients.

“However, during these clinics we were seeing an increase in unacceptable patients' behaviour towards our staff, which we will not tolerate.

“The decision to close these clinics was not taken lightly, but our staff's welfare is important to us.

“Going forward, patients will need to book an appointment for any blood tests.”

One patient at the clinic wrote to the Advertizer to raise their concerns about the level of abuse faced by medical professionals at the surgery.

They said the service was "much-valued and will be missed" as it is withdrawn because of the actions of those responsible for the anti-social behaviour.

They said: “I was disappointed to hear that the walk-in clinic in the Cambrian Surgery is to close soon because of abuse of staff by patients who were incapable of being patient.

“There have always been appointments available for blood tests, but the walk-in system allowed flexibility where plus or minus a day was not critical.

“As a long-term warfarin user, who works, I valued the service as a last-minute business meeting could disrupt plans.

“I attend for a test every week or fortnight.

“One rarely has to wait over half an hour to be seen which is no great issue.

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“For anyone on a tight schedule an appointment means being seen somewhat faster on the day and has always been available.

“Due to antisocial abusive behaviour towards staff the walk in service has been discontinued.

“Shame on anyone who has caused this.”