A St George's doctor has spoken to ITV about the 'challenging behaviour' and physical abuse staff are receiving from coronavirus deniers.

Dr Jane Evans, consultant in acute medicine, told ITV News:

"A gentleman's father was very unwell with Covid. Unfortunately, the family members were what we call COVID deniers - they believe that COVID is a big hoax that doesn't exist.

"It ended with quite an unfortunate scuffle with security and police being involved.

"We see quite a lot of challenging behaviour but it's definitely greater in the last few weeks."

Dr Evans says the most challenging behaviour 'almost uniquely' comes from family members who do not believe the virus exists.

Some of the staff have been physically assaulted by members of the public who do not believe the coronavirus diagnosis.

"It is not what you come for work for," Dr Evans added.

"It is very very upsetting for staff.

"When you're one minute working with someone who is dying from COVID, then the next minute you're fighting with the public on whether it is a thing that actually exists, it really is very difficult."

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