Alternative Treatment Service

The Cardiff and Vale Health board operates a “zero tolerance” approach to patients, relatives and members of the public who use violence and aggression towards NHS staff. The Alternative Treatment Scheme, also known as Safe Haven was introduced in 2004 with the aim of providing a secure environment in which patients who have been violent or aggressive in their GP practice can receive General Medical Services. The right of individuals to receive mainstream primary care services remains a fundamental principle of the NHS and patients who have been subject to immediate removal from a practice list will not be excluded from receiving primary care services.