Tough new measures are being introduced in the NHS in Wales in an effort to end bullying, harassment and ensure staff are respected.

The document, 'Bringing Respect to Work', has been developed by the Welsh Assembly Government in association with the NHS, healthcare unions and the NHS Centre for Equality and Human Rights.

Recent NHS staff surveys show that while the vast majority of staff are happy and proud to work for the health service, bullying, harassment, violence and aggression is a serious concern.

The document principles state that all organisations should:

. Value all of its employees;
. Encourage them to value each other;
. Foresee the potential for bullying and harassment;
. Take reasonable steps to reduce the risk and prompt action where incidents occur;
. Promote dignity at work;
. Encourage individuals to treat each other with respect;
. Promote speaking politely, openly and honestly with others;
. Be open, transparent and fair; and,
. Encourage staff to take responsibility for each other.

Health Minister Edwina Hart said she expects all NHS staff, patients and visitors to not tolerate bullying and harassment for the benefit for all involved.

“Improving the working environment for staff is essential to improving morale of staff and care for patients,” Mrs Hart said.

“It is completely unacceptable for staff to feel bullied, harassed or disrespected, whether that is by a colleague, a manager, patient or visitor. Let me be clear, I will not tolerate this sort of behaviour in future and I expect Trusts and LHBs to come down hard on the perpetrators of such behaviour.

“The NHS has a vast amount of expertise and must work together as a team – everyone’s role must be valued. Whether you are a cook, cleaner, consultant or nurse, your role contributes to the overall quality of care to patients.

“The document has a simple objective: to ensure staff, patients and visitors in the NHS can be confident that they will find a safe, supportive environment in which people feel able to freely express their needs and differences.

“It is fundamental that the human rights of everyone working in and being cared for by the NHS are protected and respected.

“It is essential everyone realises the impact of their behaviour on others and the document outlines what action needs to be taken to improve the working environment.

“Today’s measures complement work already underway to reduce the risk of violence and aggression against NHS staff.

“The threat of violence not only carries obvious injury and distress to staff and lead to increased sickness absence and poor morale, but it also stops patients getting the vital treatment they need.

“I recently set up a special taskforce, including a range of health professional and trade union representatives, to identify further measures to improve working conditions of staff by reducing violence and aggression.

“I expect to receive initial findings in the New Year so that we can put these into practice in the NHS in Wales with immediate effect.”

Steve Sloan from Unite and member of the Welsh Partnership Forum said: “Staff are the most important NHS resource and it is vital that they feel their work is valued.

"Trusts and LHBs must therefore have in place measures to ensure that all staff are supported and respected and that the NHS remains an employer of choice for people considering a career in healthcare.

“It is clear that the vast majority of staff are happy and proud of working for the NHS, but from staff surveys some feel pressure from bullying and harassment and we therefore must take action to address any concerns.

“This document aims to enhance a culture of mutual respect in the NHS by creating an ethos where employees, managers, contractors, patients and their relatives of ‘doing unto others as you would have them do unto you’.”

Jo Davies, Director of the NHS Centre for Equality and Human Rights, added: “I am delighted that the Centre had the opportunity to be involved in the development of Bringing Respect to Work and welcomed the decision by the Welsh Assembly Government’s All Wales Partnership Forum to prioritise this crucial area of work.

“Bullying and harassment in the workplace is an organisational issue, not simply a problem between individuals. Organisations need to invest time and resources on building positive relationships to create a culture of dignity and respect in which our staff feel valued, supported and enabled to deliver the highest standards of patient care.”

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