SCDHB says it’s determined to stamp out harassment
Ten South Canterbury District Health Board (SCDHB) staff have laid formal complaints of workplace harassment in the past two years.
The workplaces under the board include Timaru Hospital, Primary & Community Health in Woollcombe St and aged care provider, Talbot Park.
The board would not disclose where the incidents took place. Timaru Hospital has the highest number of staff with about 950, including contractors.
SCDHB chief executive Nigel Trainor said any kind of harassment, including bullying and sexual harassment, must not be tolerated in any health organisation.
‘‘While the numbers (are) small, SCDHB aims to have nil com- plaints filed by staff over workplace harassment, and we encourage staff to make complaints and address issues of harassment immediately.’’
In the past, a working group made up of staff to address harassment issues had put successful solutions in place, Trainor said.
‘‘The results of these solutions will be tested when SCDHB completes the next full staff survey. There will be specific questions on harassment.’’
The SCDHB had clear policies and procedures surrounding the issue, took disciplinary action where necessary and encouraged a culture of mutual respect, he said.
Following the release of a draft report on harassment in surgery by The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons’ Expert Advisory Group (EAG) last week, a New Zealand taskforce had been established to tackle the problem. The taskforce, including leaders from the medical profession – representatives from unions, colleges, the Ministry of Health, the Medical Council and DHBs – would focus on surgery and also entire hospitals.
In its own research, the New Zealand Resident Doctors Association (NZRDA), had similar results to the EAG. Recommendations included providing a safe environment to raise concerns, establishing a responsive complaints procedure and changing the culture to recognise behavioural competence was as important as clinical competence.
NZRDA national secretary Dr Deborah Powell said it was important any changes were led from the top and a professional approach adopted.
‘‘We need a strong collaboration between employers, unions and professional bodies.’’