The union Unison said the latest NHS staff survey showed harassment, bullying and sexually motivated incidents “remain far too high” and urged employers to create safe cultures where staff can report incidents and get the support they need.<\/p>\n
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) added the figures were likely to be under reported.<\/p>\n
Ellen McNicholas, RCN South East Regional Director, said: “Investigations need be thorough but not drawn out and real, sometimes systemic change needs to be seen by everyone.”<\/p>\n
PHU – which is rated “good” – is one of the largest trusts in the UK employing about 8,700 staff, with its main QA hospital serving a local population of 675,000 residents.<\/p>\n
Kelvin Cheatle, chief people officer at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, said: “We have taken steps over recent years to improve how concerns are handled. <\/p>\n
“This includes reducing delays in investigations by training and appointing more investigating officers, as well as strengthening how we record and monitor cases to ensure greater oversight, fairness and consistency.”<\/p>\n
He added other measures had been introduced such as clear expectations of acceptable behaviours, an independent Freedom to Speak Up service and that the trust continually reviews how it supports staff well-being.<\/p>\n
Do you have more information about this story?<\/p>\n
You can reach Katharine directly by email at katharine.dacosta@bbc.co.uk or her Instagram account, external<\/a><\/p>\n