No request by NHS Highland for extra bullying cash
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Scotland’s health minister has confirmed NHS Highland has not requested additional funding to compensate victims of bullying and harassment.
That is after Highland regional MSP David Stewart complained he had not got an answer on the issue sooner, after raising it in the Scottish Parliament.
He said: “I know there are former employees who’ve lost or left their jobs and, in some cases, had their careers ruined and will be unable to go to an industrial tribunal due to a time-bar on cases and will be unable to afford a civil case.”
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has now said in a written statement there has been no request by the health board for additional funds and added: “NHS Highland has confirmed it will review any such claims (for compensation) fairly and act on professional advice – including settlement, alternative dispute resolution and/or proceeding to a formal hearing to determine the outcome. I am monitoring the application of these commitments closely to ensure my expectations are met.”
She added she intends to meet the board and NHS Highland staff again in the new year.
An NHS Highland spokeswoman said there has been no change to its announcement that bullying victims will have to go through tribunals or courts to claim compensation.
“We must ensure due process is followed and decisions of this nature are taken in a structured and considered way that has legal and procedural validity, given these are public funds,” she said.
