A review into bullying at NHS Highland has been branded a “whitewash” by one of its victims, who has spoken out about her experience.
A major review was carried out into culture at the health board following claims from four whistleblowing medics in 2018.
More than 270 people have been awarded compensation after enduring situations which led to them turning to alcohol and drugs, or diagnosed with depression.
Last month the board received the final reports into the “healing process,” discussing its recommendations and potential next steps.
NHS Highland’s chief executive says the “green shoots” of change are starting to emerge, but others have raised questions about what the future will hold.
‘NHS Highland bullying made me think I was going mad’
One victim of bullying by NHS Highland staff was left with PTSD, and told us working alongside them “ruined her life”.
She claims she was pressured to change her story following a traumatic incident, and faced pushback from others when she refused.
“I lost my home, my job, most of my relationships, my self-confidence, my financial security,” she said.
“The people who employed me tried to undermine my professional integrity and place the blame on me.
“I saw people who were shouted at or dressed down in public and treated absolutely appallingly.
“I’m not the kind of person who can be bullied into toeing the line so they had to find really subtle ways of doing it.
“I started to think I was going mad – that I was imagining things. I started to doubt myself.”
‘They seem to think it’s been a success’
More than £2.8 million has been paid out to victims of bullying, and a number of recommendations have been made as to what happens next.
These include greater recognition of mental health and menopause challenges, more visible leadership and a move to ensure new staff have the right skills and qualifications.
Last week bosses also apologised to all staff affected, pledging to do better while acknowledging the “lasting hurt and harm” caused.
But the bullying victim, who asked us to keep them anonymous, feels the situation has been handled inappropriately by NHS Highland.
She called the report a “whitewash,” and added: “They seem to think it’s been a success because they’ve made these apologies and paid out this much compensation.
“That’s not right – that’s not success.
“It’s an absolute outrage any of that had to be done. And it’s only the tip of the iceberg.
“There are hundreds, if not thousands, of people who haven’t received an apology or compensation and whose health has suffered, physically and mentally.”
A five-year strategy for culture change, Together We Care, will be brought before the NHS Highland board for approval later this month.
A spokesperson for the health board reiterated their apology and said victims of bullying and harassment are still encouraged to speak up.
“We recognise there is still much work to do,” they added. “Especially with the increased pressure all boards are experiencing with unprecedented demand for services, challenges with recruitment and retention, as well as the impact of the pandemic on our workforce.”
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