‘Bullying culture’ at trust must be tackled

Inspections of Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital by the Care Quality Commission earlier this week revealed some staff felt they operated under a “bullying culture”, as managers prioritised targets over care.

Both hospitals were rated as “requiring improvement” by the CQC, which found shortages of doctors and nurses “across all areas”.

Unison regional organiser Ray Gray said: “We have been saying bullying has been going on there for some time. The fact that the CQC picks it up vindicates the claims we have been making. But the evidence is really strong – why it has taken this long I really don’t know.

“Staff need to feel valued, not driven to the point of despair because of the need to meet targets.

“Part of that value is paying them good, fair terms and conditions, which recognise the job they do.”

The interim chief executive John Saxby – drafted in after the sudden departure of chief executive Phil Morley three weeks ago – has announced an external body will investigate the claims.

Coun Colin Inglis, Chair of the Health and Well Being Board, said the local authority wanted an input into the appointment of the new chief executive and chair, following the departure of Mr Morley and chair Rob Deri, who announced he was standing down in November. Mr Deri is now an associate non executive director.

Coun Inglis said: “We don’t want it to go wrong again. It’s not fair on staff, who are working under pressure, or patients.”