The Sturrock report – a damning review of bullying in NHS Highland – was supposed to put an end to victimisation and unsafe working in hospitals.
In 2019, concerns raised by a group of clinicians prompted the review, which found hundreds of health workers had potentially experienced inappropriate behaviour.
The review, led by John Sturrock QC, said staff had described suffering “fear, intimidation and inappropriate behaviour at work”.
In his report, Sturrock said, “Fear cannot be the driver” in the NHS.
At the time, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman apologised and said other health boards must learn lessons.
Freeman said the culture at the health board had been unacceptable and supported the review’s recommendations. These include educating all staff on the effects of bullying and providing a “properly functioning, clear, safe and respected wholly independent and confidential whistleblowing” mechanism.
She promised a shift in behaviour and a zero tolerance of bullying, yet it still continues to be an issue in the NHS.
Only two weeks ago, it was revealed cases of bullying and harassment at NHS Tayside had doubled in the last year.
Make sure you are also signed up to our newsletters for the latest news updates sent straight to your inbox.
