Medical chief will probe calls of bullying in hospital

SCOTLAND’S chief medical officer promised to listen to the views of all staff as she investigates allegations of bullying and the manipulation of waiting times at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.

Dr Catherine Calderwood visited the NHS Tayside hospital yesterday to speak to staff and management in the accident and emergency (A&E) and general surgery departments.

Last week Health Secretary Shona Robison gave her the task of investigating the claims made by a whistleblower.

The whistleblower alleged surgical teams were prevented from seeing patients in order to manipulate A&E waitingtime figures and that teams were being bullied and prevented from seeing potentially seriouslyill patients.

Dr Calderwood said: “While we have received reassurances f rom the board about the system here in Tayside, when serious allegations like these are made it is absolutely right that they are fully looked into.

“I am here today with a completely open mind to listen to staff and look at the systems in A&E and the medical and surgical admissions units.

“I want to be completely satisfied that the reassurances provided by the board are correct and stand up to scrutiny.

“There will be an opportunity for staff, including trainees, to speak to me without management and on a confidential basis if necessary.

“I am equally happy to listen to views from any staff at NHS Tayside who wish to contact me outside of today’s visit.

“I will consider the visit over the course of this week.”