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Survey finds 68% of health staff in Argyll and Bute have experienced bullying and harassment

Disgruntled patients can often seek compensation. Image: DC Thomson
Disgruntled patients can often seek compensation. Image: DC Thomson

An independent survey of health staff in Argyll and Bute has found 68% of workers have been bullied and harassed.

The survey, undertaken by NHS Highland and Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), took into account the response of 446 of the 1,540 NHS staff, along with 62 former workers.

In total, 68% said bullying and harassment was present.

The survey was undertaken in response to the Sturrock Report as part of NHS Highland attempts to deliver a culture of trust, fairness and respect.

The health board and Argyll and Bute HSCP have apologised profoundly to staff following the outcome.

A 100-day action plan is being set up, including an independent helpline to provide support.

Chairman Boyd Robertson said the board is “deeply concerned” by the results and “accept them fully”.

He said NHS Highland “sincerely apologise” to victims, adding the health authority is “determined to make the changes necessary to improve the experience for colleagues and rebuild trust and confidence across the whole organisation.”

Argyll and Bute HSCP Chief Officer, Joanna Macdonald, said the results are “distressing” adding “addressing the implications of this report will be a high priority”.

Linda Kirkland, chairwoman of the pressure group No More Victims, said the findings were “horrifying”.

She added: “It is evidence of corporate failure at board and senior management level.

“Clearly the cultural issues have not changed.”