A GP practice put out a new 'zero tolerance policy' after negative comments about staff were posted on social media.

Park House Surgery, on Nant Hall Road in Prestatyn, told the Journal the reason decision behind the new social media policy, which warns patients that comments made on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter could be viewed as a "potential breakdown in the doctor-patient relationship" and patients may be removed from their list.

Dr Nitin Shori, senior partner at the surgery, said: "After some personal and offensive comments about staff members, we felt that it was important to clarify our social media policy.

"We have a duty to protect our staff from online abuse which can be very upsetting.

"We encourage patients to feedback to the surgery through appropriate channels and we can then take feedback onboard and act on it as necessary."

The policy is in line with other surgeries across the UK.

If posts are brought to the attention of staff at the surgery, patients involved may be invited in to have a face-to-face discussion about any issues they have.

A statement on the Park House Surgery website added: "We welcome all feedback as it gives us the opportunity to review the services that we provide and where necessary or appropriate, make any changes or improvements.

"However, we would ask that rather than posting derogatory or hurtful comments about the practice or any of our staff on social media, or if there are any aspects of the service that you are not entirely happy with, please speak to us about this or put your comments to us in writing giving us the opportunity to respond.

"You would not expect to read derogatory comments about yourself at your own place of work. Neither do we."

The statement also applies to patients at Westfield Surgery, 81 Vale Road, Rhyl .

From Monday, Park House Surgery and Westfield Surgery will be trialling a cancellation email: cancellations.w91028@wales.nhs.uk

Patients unable to attend an appointment will be asked to include their initials, date of birth, appointment time and date. An automated email will be received in response.

To rearrange appointments, patients must telephone the surgery.