NHS Highland's healing process for bullying victims could start this week
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The launch of NHS Highland's so-called healing process for victims of bullying will be discussed by its board tomorrow.
The health authority approved the process in March but decided to wait until the end of May before talking about it further in order to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Funded by the Scottish Government, the healing process enables former and current employees to access an independent team of advisers which include human resources, legal, communications and mediation specialists.
It was developed in partnership with staff, trade unions and whistle-blowers in response to the Sturrock Review, which investigated claims of a bullying culture within NHS Highland.
Earlier this month, a report found that 68 per cent of staff in Argyll and Bute said they had been bullied, sparking fears the practice continues across the region unabated one year on from the Sturrock Review.
A report to board members ahead of tomorrow's meeting stated: "Planning is under way to launch the healing process including the requirement for the virtual delivery of this process given the current circumstances regarding Covid-19 and necessary social-distancing measures.
"In addition, with the Covid-19 pandemic likely to be a feature of health and care services for some time to come and with the results of the Argyll and Bute survey acting as a further reminder of the need for urgent action, it is recommended that the board now formally agrees to proceed with launch plans and for the process to be able to start to receive applications of interest by the end of May."
It added: "A crucial element of the Healing Process is that it is provided by external service providers and Independent Panel members with four potential options which are: being heard; an apology; access to psychological therapies; access to an Independent Review Panel and participants may opt for more than one of these options."
Related articles:
- NHS Highland approves process for dealing with bullying victims
- Fears bullying at NHS Highland is still widespread after Argyll and Bute probe finds 68 per cent of staff were harassed
