Junior doctors ‘verbally abused’ in front of patients

A WORRYING number of staff felt they were ‘‘not supported, safe, respected or valued’’.

“There was a genuine fear for some staff of speaking out and not all staff felt safe from bullying, harassment, misogyny, racism or other discrimination,” said the report.

Staff, including doctors in training, told inspectors of the impact on their mental and physical health of the trust culture, with staff fearing retribution for speaking up.

The report stated: “Staff in many senior roles including medical, nursing and managerial spoke candidly with us about the culture, concerns over sexual safety, and unchallenged hierarchical poor behaviours.

“We were told by staff in minority groups the organisation did not always promote equality and diversity in daily work and provide opportunities for career development.”

In the critical care service, staff raised concerns that some of the middle managers ‘‘shouted at and verbally abused’’ junior staff, sometimes in front of patients and relatives.

The report said: “Staff reported feeling very anxious around some band 7 managers and had experienced bullying-type behaviour.” Some left due to the bullying and threats, they told inspectors. Attempts to flag concerns with other managers ‘‘did not result in action’’.

Women across the trust, often in senior roles, spoke of bullying, harassment, intimidation, disrespect and misogyny.

Inequalities around pay and opportunity were also significant. The report adds: “On every measure, male staff were receiving a significantly higher proportion of pay than females.”

The report said the trust had no measureable plan to address this. Others spoke of “passive discouragement of women”.

Ethnic minority staff and disabled staff also reported negative attitudes and discrimination.