Watchdog: NHS bullying claims lack evidence

A review into claims of bullying and a culture of poor leadership at an NHS trust has been criticised as lacking “completeness and transparency” by a health watchdog.

The Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) said it had “real concerns” over reviews of patient safety, culture and leadership at the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, claiming the process was not “evidence-based”.

The reviews were initiated after staff members said the trust was “mafialike”. A trust spokesman said: “We are committed to working with PHSO, to ensure families understand any issue relating to their loved one’s care.”