Probe into NHS Highland bulling claims welcomed
The head of NHS Highland has welcomed a request from the Scottish Government’s health secretary for an external investigation into allegations of bullying at the health board, writes Neill Bo Finlayson.
Senior doctors and politicians from across the Highlands have been calling for a full independent investigation into NHS Highland after more than 100 healthcare workers came forward claiming there was a ‘severe bullying culture’ at the health board – with ‘one serious case’ reported at the Belford Hospital in Fort William.
This week, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman MSP requested an independent external investigation be established to examine these allegations and seek resolutions.
The request has been widely welcomed by staff and politicians, as well as NHS chairman David Alston, who previously stated the health board has ‘nothing to hide’.
He said: ‘I am very pleased that the cabinet secretary has publicly accepted our request for external support into allegations of a systematic culture of bullying across NHS Highland. The terms of reference will need to be drawn up by the Scottish Government in conjunction with representatives of all concerned, including NHS Highland.’
On Monday, the chief executive of NHS Scotland, Paul Gray, and other senior officials, met representatives of the clinicians to discuss their concerns, which will be ‘helpful’ in shaping the form and scope of the investigation.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: ‘We welcome that NHS Highland has recognised the importance of fully addressing this issue, and the need for an independent process to fully investigate the matter.
‘The welfare of NHS staff is paramount and any claims of bullying in the workplace must be treated with the utmost seriousness. Following discussions in September, the Scottish Government has already agreed to provide external support to NHS Highland.’
The allegations were first made by a group of whistleblowing senior clinicians who spoke out about what they claimed to be a culture of ‘fear and intimidation’ at a senior level.
Lochaber MSP Kate Forbes said she was pleased that Mrs Freeman requested a probe into the claims. She said: ‘The welfare of NHS staff is vitally important and everybody must have confidence that claims of bullying will be thoroughly investigated.’
Similarly, MP Ian Blackford said he hoped the investigation will get to the bottom of the allegations.
‘The ability of NHS Highland staff to work in a safe environment, free from intimidation, is absolutely paramount,’ he said. ‘I fully support this announcement. The process now must earn the trust of those affected and fully investigate the accusations that have been made.’