‘Serious bullying’ at Ninewells reported by health secretary

The Scottish health secretary has reported claims of “serious” bullying on a Ninewells Hospital ward to NHS Tayside.

Allegations have been made of intimidation of individuals working in the maternity ward.

The case was taken to Health Secretary Shona Robison.

A source close to the investigation revealed it relates to claims made by two staff members against a manager.

Meanwhile, another source claimed there were wider problems among staff in the same unit.

The source said: “The morale among staff in the maternity ward is at an all-time low.

“It is the worst I’ve seen in a very long time and there are definitely certain people who get targeted.

“The pressure towards staff is atrocious and the scrutiny comes on a constant basis.

“It got to the point where it was obvious certain people were getting the brunt of it.

“The ward is already a highpressure environment and the ongoing bullying just doesn’t help the situation.

“At the end of the day it’s the patients who are affected by this — there’s so much stress in the ward.

“Some of the ward’s most experienced midwives who have been there for years just want out.”

Ms Robison confirmed the “serious” allegations had been raised with her and passed to NHS Tayside’s chairman John Connell.

She added: “Any allegations of bullying should be investigated and addressed fully by the senior managers not just at Ninewells but any part of the health service in Scotland.

“I was made aware of the serious issues and I passed these onto the chairman of the NHS Tayside board.”

A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside declined to respond to the claims, saying the board doesn’t comment on matters relating to individual staff members.

She added: “NHS Tayside is committed to providing a working environment which is free from bullying and harassment.

“Therefore, the bullying or harassment of any member of staff for any reason is unacceptable and NHS Tayside will not condone or tolerate bullying or harassment in any form.”