Rise in reports of bullying in NHS is 'deeply alarming' - Scottish Conservatives
More than 700 cases of bullying have been recorded in the last five years
Bullying has increased by almost 50% across Scottish health boards, the Scottish Conservatives have claimed.
In total, 724 cases of bullying were recorded across the NHS since 2017, representing a 47% rise from 126 in 2017-18 to 185 in 2021-22, according to the party.
In NHS Highland, the recorded instances of bullying have increased by 600% over the last five years, but fell by 12.5% last year.
Eleven cases of bullying were recorded in NHS Tayside in 2017-18 compared to 35 in 2021-22 - an increase of 218% and 94%.
The increase in reports of bullying is not uniform across all Scottish health boards, however.
Over the last year, reports of bullying in NHS Borders dropped by 57% and 63% over the last five years.
Incidents of bullying in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde were falling, but rose last year from less than five to 10.
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'Deeply alarming'
Figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives via a Freedom of Information request reveal there were 724 cases recorded over that period - with a steady rise from 126 in 2017-18 to 185 in 2021-22.
The most startling rises in bullying cases came in NHS Highland (from five in 2017-18 to 35 in 2021-22) and NHS Tayside (from 11 to 35).
Shadow health secretary Dr Sandesh Gulhane described the figures as "deeply alarming", given the problems with recruiting and retaining staff across Scotland's health service, and highlighted a "worrying culture" within the NHS.
Dr Gulhane said: "This dramatic rise in bullying cases in Scotland's health service is deeply alarming - no one should be subjected to intimidation in the workplace.
"Workplace culture in any organisation is set at the very top - and in this case that's individual health board bosses and, ultimately, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf."
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Health Sec 'has a duty' to properly resource NHS
Dr Gulhane said a shortage of staff is the biggest problem facing the NHS.
He added: "When recruitment and retention of staff is your top priority, a sharp increase in bullying cases is the last thing you need.
"There is never a justification for bullying, which can have a hugely damaging effect on the mental health of staff who have been overstretched for years and are more exhausted than ever due to the pandemic.
"Bullying can never be tolerated or covered up, as this creates a dangerous workplace environment where staff are fearful of speaking out. The Health Secretary has a duty to ensure our NHS is properly resourced and that health boards foster an open, tolerant workplace culture."
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Bullying 'unacceptable in any circumstances'
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Bullying and harassment is unacceptable in any circumstances and we expect all Health Boards and their employees to act in line with the values and behaviours expected of everyone in NHS Scotland.
“Ministers have made clear to Health Boards that bullying and harassment is unacceptable, and we expect them to ensure any reported incidents are taken seriously and fully investigated. Everyone who works in our Health Service must have the confidence to raise any concerns they may have, particularly in these unprecedented and challenging times.
"The Health Secretary has been absolutely clear that when a whistleblower raises a concern, this must be treated with the upmost seriousness and thoroughly investigated, including any concerns about safe staffing levels and any compromise to patient safety. Each Health Board has dedicated Whistleblowing Champions to seek assurance that staff are encouraged and supported to speak up."
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Staffing at 'record high'
They added: “We are fully aware of the difficult circumstances that boards and front-line staff are working in, which is why we have worked hard to ensure that our NHS maintains the increased numbers of staff we’ve seen over the past 10 consecutive years.
“NHS Scotland staffing is at a record high, having increased by over 4,500 WTE in the last year. Funded student nurse and midwifery places have almost doubled in the last decade and the Scottish Government continues to take forward our long-term investment medicine and nursing and midwifery training places, with record numbers of funded places this academic year. NHS Scotland has higher staffing per head as compared with NHS England and NHS Scotland staff continue to receive higher pay, on average, than elsewhere in the UK.
“Ministers are committed to fully supporting our NHS. The £1 billion NHS Recovery Plan, alongside £300 million which was announced last winter for additional recruitment, has supported new recruitment over the last six months - including 1.000 Health Care Support Workers and 191 international nurses.”