An independent review of the emergency department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital was sparked after unions raised serious allegations over bullying of staff by management.
The Unison union’s Forth Valley NHS branch and the Royal College of Nursing raised the issues with Forth Valley NHS board.
Unison branch secretary Karren Morrison said: “Staff talked to us about feeling bullied and intimidated, being frightened to speak up, concerns about the delivery of safe patient care, high turnover of staff and other issues.
“Forth Valley NHS had failed in its duty to ensure the provision of a safe environment for both staff and patients in this area.”
Last night, Morrison praised the bravery of those who spoke out and welcomed the review.
She said: “Unison will continue to scrutinise the actions taken by NHS Forth Valley, compelling NHS Forth Valley to meet the report recommendations in full.”
The review was commissioned by NHS Forth Valley’s CEO Cathie Cowan and made a number of recommendations, including strengthening leadership and reviewing department staffing and improving relationships. Cowan said she would ensure the recommendations were implemented.
She said: “We have a duty to ensure the health and wellbeing of local staff as well as the patients they look after. It is important that any concerns raised by staff or their representatives are taken very seriously and fully explored in a fair and open way.
“I would like to personally thank all of the staff who participated in the review process.”
A new sub-committee, led by NHS Forth Valley chair Janie McCusker, has been set up to oversee review recommendations.
