Senior doctors and politicians are calling for an independent external investigation into the “severe bullying culture” at NHS Highland.
It emerged last night that the Health Secretary contacted Highland health bosses over the claims and encouraged staff to come forward.
Hospital consultants and GPs have attached their names to claims that senior doctors and nurses are frightened to speak out or raise concerns with senior management.
Board Medical Director Dr Rod Harvey said yesterday he did not recognise a bullying culture within the organisation, but confirmed the allegations would be “investigated through appropriate procedures”.
Four Highland medics have spoken out – Eileen Anderson, consultant radiologist at Raigmore; Lorien Cameron-Ross, Out of hours GP at Raigmore; Jonathan Ball, GP at Nairn medical practice; Iain Kennedy, executive partner at Riverside, Foyers and Cromarty medical practices.
In a letter to the Herald they said: “This practice of suppressing criticism, which emanates from the very top of the organisation has led to a culture of fear and intimidation. This has had a serious detrimental effect on staff at all levels of NHS Highland, but equally importantly, has had an adverse effect on on the quality of care we are able to provide for patients.”
It was signed by all four doctors, who are also on local and area medical committees.
Dr Kennedy said people who had raised concerns felt “intimidated and marginalised” and were quickly put in front of senior management and made to “justify” themselves.
He said: “We have had a serious and severe bullying culture in NHS Highland for 10 years.
“There is a culture of fear. Staff are frightened to put their head above the parapet.
“We want a completely independent inquiry into NHS Highland from a team that understands bullying, recognises the signs and isn’t afraid to do something about it. We can’t have any more cover ups.”
Scottish Labour’s shadow health minister David Stewart said: “I am extremely concerned and will be calling for a full and frank independent investigation into these allegations, carried out by senior staff from another health authority.
“I will also be asking for an urgent meeting with Elaine Mead and David Alston as these claims are unprecedented in my experience of NHS Highland.”
Donald Cameron, Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: “When a group of senior doctors speak about a culture of fear and NHS employees not feeling able to speak out, then we are in serious trouble.
“Public confidence in the management of NHS Highland is draining away, and the health secretary must investigate these complaints as a matter of urgency.”
Dr Ball said: “I think it is clear there have been examples that have directly led to staff being off sick and staff resigning from positions as a result of treatment they have had as employees of NHS Highland.
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“Given the nature of the concern the only way we could have confidence would be to have an external review.”
Liz Gordon, GMB Highland officer, added: “I’m saddened but not surprised at these allegations, we deal with many cases of bullying and harassment for our members.
“In light of the recent damming governance report which highlighted an organisational failure to protect staff, and now these allegations, an internal investigation is just not good enough, the GMB calls for an external independent review.”
Dr Harvey said: “Personally I do not recognise a bullying culture within the organisation and that perception is supported by a number of unsolicited responses that I have already received from doctors saying the allegation does not represent their views. At the same time I have had contact from colleagues who do feel under pressure and I certainly recognise that in the context of the demands under which the health service is currently operating.
“The board takes allegations of this type extremely seriously and any complaints will be fully investigated through appropriate procedures.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The Health Secretary has spoken with the chair of NHS Highland, and they are looking to meet the signatories to discuss their concerns as soon as possible, and have also encouraged staff to come forward if they wish to report bullying.
“If there are reasons why staff can’t raise the issues with the Board in the first instance we will look at the detail and consider our response. We have consistently made clear that bullying and harassment is unacceptable, and we expect boards to ensure any reported incidences are taken seriously and fully investigated.”