This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-34168357
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Carstairs State Hospital staff bullying claims total 14 | Carstairs State Hospital staff bullying claims total 14 |
(about 4 hours later) | |
There have been 14 claims of bullying by staff at the State Hospital in Carstairs in just five years, BBC Scotland can reveal. | There have been 14 claims of bullying by staff at the State Hospital in Carstairs in just five years, BBC Scotland can reveal. |
About 700 staff work at Scotland's highest security psychiatric hospital, caring for up to 140 patients. | About 700 staff work at Scotland's highest security psychiatric hospital, caring for up to 140 patients. |
The bullying complaints were lodged under its "Dignity at Work" policy. | |
The hospital said the percentage of bullying claims had reduced in recent years. The Scottish government said the NHS would not tolerate bullying. | |
When the BBC approached the State Hospital about the bullying figure, the board said it would lead work to change "cultures and behaviours" at the facility. | |
'Zero tolerance' | |
In a statement, the hospital said: "The State Hospital's Zero Tolerance to Bullying and Harassment campaign has a clear objective of telling people that it is safe to complain. | |
"Any issues raised are addressed promptly and professionally. Dignity at Work remains a high priority for the board and we aspire to meet the aims of the staff governance standard whereby everyone in The State Hospital is always treated with dignity and respect. | |
"While the percentage of bullying allegations has actually reduced as a result of the various measures put in place over the past few years, we recognise that we need to continue in partnership with staff-side colleagues, to address any issues of bullying and harassment within the workplace to ensure all staff are treated with dignity and respect." | |
Scotland's Minister for Mental Health Jamie Hepburn is due to visit the facility later as part of its annual review. | Scotland's Minister for Mental Health Jamie Hepburn is due to visit the facility later as part of its annual review. |
Responding to reports of bullying, Mr Hepburn said much had been done already to tackle the problem across the NHS. | |
"I am very clear that we will not tolerate bullying of any kind in our NHS," he said. | |
"It is not good for our hardworking NHS staff - particularly in an already challenging environment like the State Hospital - and it is not good for patients. | |
"It is also vitally important that all NHS workers feel that they can raise any concerns they may have safely and confidentially, and be reassured that health boards will listen." | |
Mr Hepburn added: "By encouraging staff to raise concerns, Scotland's health boards have the opportunity to identify potential problems at an early stage. | |
"This not only makes the NHS a better place to work, it also leads to a better health service for patients." | |
Recent controversies | |
The State Hospital has been dogged by a series of controversies in recent years. | |
Its chief executive, Andreana Adamson, stepped aside from her role following an outcry over financial payments to board members. | Its chief executive, Andreana Adamson, stepped aside from her role following an outcry over financial payments to board members. |
They were awarded payments totalling £50,000 as so-called "danger money" for working in a high-security environment, despite the fact they did not come into contact with patients. | They were awarded payments totalling £50,000 as so-called "danger money" for working in a high-security environment, despite the fact they did not come into contact with patients. |
Board members are still receiving the payments. | Board members are still receiving the payments. |
A report commissioned by the chairman of the board was released on the Friday before Christmas 2013 - when it was likely to receive less public scrutiny. | |
It was removed from the hospital's website after just six months. | It was removed from the hospital's website after just six months. |
The author, Proffesor Jim McGoldrick, found no evidence of fraud or serious misconduct, but criticised the board's handling of the issue. | |
He also expressed concern about bullying and said it was a "running theme" during his investigations. | He also expressed concern about bullying and said it was a "running theme" during his investigations. |