Question reference: S5W-20513
- Asked by: David Stewart, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 11 December 2018
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 18 December 2018
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how the review into alleged bullying and harassment at NHS Highland will take account of the views of patients.
Answer
As part of its scope the review aims to understand what, if any cultural issues have led to any bullying, or harassment, and a culture where such allegations apparently cannot be raised and responded to locally. John Sturrock QC will be holding a series of private meetings with a large number of individuals who have contacted him to raise concerns, which may include any patients who have come forward who have witnessed or experienced bullying among NHS staff.
Given the volume of interest and the requirement to provide a report in the early part of the new year, the review will now work with those who have come forward at this stage, listening to and distilling their concerns. If patients make contact with stories of staff bullying staff, their written representations will help inform the review. An initial report will be submitted by the end of February 2019, and any next steps will then be decided upon.