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In May 2006 the British Medical Association (BMA) published a report on bullying and harassment of doctors in the workplace. The report reveals that 1 in 4 medical students have experienced bullying from other doctors and 16% from nurses. Given these and other findings outlined in the report the BMA calls for a culture of zero tolerance to implemented from the top down in all workplaces in the health service. Raising awareness of bullying and harassment in the medical profession is identified as a key factor to tackling the problem and several examples of good practice are identified in the report. This includes the case of the Devonshire Partnership NHS Trust who, following a review by the healthcare commission, has been commended on its efforts to tackle allegations of bullying and harassment and improving staff morale and working relationships at the trust. NHS Employers agree with the BMA that bullying has to stop. As the largest employer in the UK, it is vital that the NHS has a culture where any form of bullying and harassment is not tolerated. The results of the 2005 staff survey have indicated that the NHS it taking positive steps to tackle the problem, with a slight improvement in the number of staff experiencing bullying and harassment and abuse. More encouragingly, the survey revealed that only 11% of staff felt that their Trust did not take effective action if staff were bullied, harassed or abused. The report can be downloaded from the BMA website. Last reviewed 30 Sep 2008 |
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