BMA Sheds Light on NHS Bullying Cultures

1 in 5 NHS doctors say they have experienced bullying in the last 12 months, according to a survey by the British Medical Association.

Twice that number believe that bullying, harassment and undermining of colleagues happens in their workplace, with 1 in 10 participants saying that such behaviour is a frequent occurrence.

Worryingly, only 1 in 3 said they were aware of any incidents of bullying being reported to the employer.

Doctors who have experienced this behaviour report that it has an impact on their ability to sleep, to make effective clinical decisions, to communicate with colleagues, and to raise concerns about patient safety and the quality of care.  Some have even considered leaving the profession. 

Victims of NHS bullying cultures are not limited to those working as doctors.  Among all other NHS staff, 1 in 4 say they have experienced this behaviour in the workplace.
 
When survey participants were asked what caused their colleagues to bully them or others, almost 2 in 3 (65%) attributed this behaviour to the fact that “people are under pressure”.
 
Asked why NHS workplace bullying is allowed to continue, 58% say it is because the “behaviour comes from the top” and 48% think victims are frightened to speak out about it.
 
How can MSB help?
 
The MSB team has extensive experience of working both with NHS Trusts and private hospitals to examine their organisation’s culture, leadership and employee engagement.

Whether focused on a single unit or an entire hospital, MSB’s confidential and sensitive approach ensures that our research generates valuable and honest insight from people at all levels within the organisation.
 
To learn more about our work in the healthcare sector, please visit our website - http://www.msbconsultancy.com/healthcare.html