Highland health chiefs are facing demands to reveal how they will respond to a bullying scandal among staff
NHS Highland pledged to address recommendations made in John Sturrock QC’s report into bullying at the health board.
An action plan was drawn up and delivered to Health Minister Jeane Freeman last month, but the content and scope of the document are yet to be released.
Edward Mountain MSP commented: “The public should have sight of NHS Highland’s action plan to resolve the bullying issues which were highlighted in John Sturrock QC’s review.
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“I believe making this action plan as open and transparent as possible would really show the determination of the health board in taking a reconciliatory and progressive approach to resolving the problems of the past.
“The Scottish Government has already laid out their recommendations and now it’s time for NHS Highland to do the same.”
More than 200 people spoke to Mr Sturrock about their experiences of working at at the board.
The report stated: “A significant majority of those with whom the review engaged have, over a number of years suffered, or are currently suffering, fear, intimidation and inappropriate behaviour at work.
“Many people have been afraid to take steps to address issues internally or to speak out, currently and over a period of many years. Many feel that no really effective, safe, mechanism to do so has existed.”
In his report, Mr Sturrock made a number of recommendations, which included ensuring the culture was one of “compassion, kindness, relationships and people were at the heart of NHS Highland”.
He also suggested that disagreements and difficulties should be dealt with early and the authority should promote civility while making sure “mediation” and facilitation were given a important role in conflict resolution.
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The report said that senior management roles should be “reset” suggesting openness and communication are key to the future of the success of the health board.
He also said bosses should “convene a three-day retreat to consider this report, assess its proposals and plan the way ahead”.
A spokesman for NHS Highland confirmed the report had been sent to the health minister by the deadline she had set, he continued: “The action plan is still in draft format.”
