Bullying claims at ministry

I do not tolerate the bullying and I’ve been quite explicit to the staff.

‘‘Intimidation and destructive behaviour’’ from senior Government officials has led to a ‘‘culture of bullying’’ in the Ministry of Health, it has been claimed.

Minister of Health Jonathan Coleman said he expected any issues with the workplace culture of the ministry would be investigated, after it emerged some senior leaders may be responsible for cultivating the bad behaviour.

Appearing in front of the Health Select Committee, Coleman and ministry Director-General of Health Chai Chuah were caught off-guard by a letter obtained by Labour’s health spokeswoman, Annette King. In the letter, written by a senior ministry official, they said they were ‘‘appalled at the culture of bullying, intimidation and destructive behaviour of some senior leaders within the Ministry of Health’’.

It went on to highlight ‘‘degrading comments, and overt discussions about the removal of DHB leaders’’ that ministry and National Health Board officials didn’t like.

King said that the letter was ‘‘disturbing’’ and demanded an explanation.

Coleman said he would take the letter ‘‘very seriously’’.

‘‘The first thing is, culture in the ministry is extremely important so I will take that letter very seriously, as will Mr Chuah.

‘‘Obviously, if there are unacceptable behaviours they have to be addressed, and I’ve got complete faith in Mr Chuah to address those.’’

But in an organisation of 1150 people, there were bound to be some who were disgruntled.

He said the majority were performing well.

‘‘I think they’re doing an excellent job. It’s always tough being in the Ministry of Health. I think you’d acknowledge historically it’s a pressured job in a very important sector.

‘‘But if there’s any issues around the culture that need investigating, I know Mr Chuah will have a look at that and report back to me.’’

Chuah said the results of a recent Gallup engagement survey were not yet ready to be released.

But while the overall score of engagement had gone up since the last survey was conducted, it had gone by less than he would have hoped.

Chuah has only recently been appointed to the role of directorgeneral, after more than a year holding the role in an ‘‘acting’’ capacity.

He said there was discussion around whether or not the period when he was acting would be a ‘‘time of instability and inappropriate behaviours in the ministry’’.

‘‘I’ve written to all the staff and actually pointed out to them that they are a very high-performing, engaged team.

‘‘But I’ve also equally highlighted to staff, there remains still a number of teams where they continue to consistently show low engagement.

‘‘And I’ve taken steps to actually address those particular team,’’ he said.

‘‘So I do not tolerate the bullying and I’ve been quite explicit to the staff.’’