NHS to tackle staff bullying
NHS Shetland has reaffirmed its ‘zero tolerance’ attitude towards bullying of staff, after a survey showed that almost half of the islands’ health workers had suffered abuse in their job.
Almost 350 staff, around two thirds of NHS Shetland employees, responded to the survey which takes place every two years throughout Scotland.
While most staff said they felt positive about the job they were doing and their working relationships, almost half reported that they had received verbal and emotional abuse over the past year.
In one third of the incidents the abuse had come from patients, relatives of patients or ‘service users’.
Another third reported they had experienced bullying or harassment at work, mostly from other staff, but also from patients, service users and members of the public.
Less bullying and harassment was reported from managers and team leaders.
The survey said that 57 per cent of staff who had reported bullying and harassment were satisfied with the response that they had received.
Three quarters said they intend to stay working for the health board for the next year, and 79 per cent feel that they receive the respect they deserve from colleagues at work
Chief executive Ralph Roberts said: “I am really pleased with the positive comments about working for NHS Shetland that are highlighted in this survey.
“I am disappointed by the apparent levels of concern over bullying and harassment. No member of staff should experience this and we are committed to working with our staff to identify how this can be addressed.”
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