Sexual misconduct is a ‘problem across the NHS’ as whistleblower website launches | British News

NHS staff working in England will be able to report their colleagues anonymously for sexual harassment from today, as health authorities warned that inappropriate behavior “will not be tolerated”.

The health service is also planning more pastoral support and even special leave for people who have suffered sexual misconduct in the workplace.

It comes after a Sky News investigation Harassment and assaults are “the order of the day” in the emergency services.

Many dozens of paramedics have now spoken out about a culture in which being groped or being the victim of inappropriate comments and jokes is commonplace.

Some women even reported being threatened with rape or pressured into sexual acts to keep their jobs, while a paramedic attempted to take her own life after being locked in the back of an ambulance and sexually assaulted by a colleague was.

Whistleblowers also claimed that they were punished or ostracized for raising concerns.

But NHS England has warned that sexual misconduct is “a problem across the health service” and other workers have also come under scrutiny.

In a survey last September, nearly a third of female surgeons surveyed said they had been sexually assaulted by a colleague, and two-thirds said they had been the victim of sexual harassment.

NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard called this behavior “unacceptable” and said that from today an online reporting tool will allow staff to report abuse anonymously. The reports are then assessed and investigated by HR teams.

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The NHS also plans to offer pastoral support to people who have experienced sexual abuse and provide special leave if necessary. Employees will also be required to complete new training on what to do if they notice or learn of sexual misconduct.

Amanda Pritchard added: “We must do everything we can to ensure our staff feel able to speak out and have complete confidence that they will be given the support they need , if they do this.”

“There is absolutely no place for sexual misconduct or abuse of any kind in the NHS – a place where staff come to work every day to provide compassionate care and support to others and we know that women are affected more often – that is Case.” is unacceptable and we cannot tolerate it.”

The NHS said the new policy covers any sexual misconduct in the workplace – whether in the NHS setting, in a virtual environment or elsewhere.

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It can include many things, from sexual assault or rape to making sexual comments or jokes, showing sexual images, and staring at someone sexually.

In this year’s NHS staff survey, almost 26,000 staff said they had been the victim of assault, touching, sexualised or inappropriate conversations or jokes from their colleagues.

Dr. Chelcie Jerwick is co-founder of Surviving in Scrubs, a campaign group highlighting sexual harassment in the NHS. She believes many more cases are going unreported, but that the anonymous system is a great way to give people the opportunity to come forward.

“I think there is definitely a culture of tolerance within the NHS towards these behaviors and attitudes.

“I know from my own experience with trying to file complaints that it can be really difficult, not just to speak up, but also with the logistics of how to file a complaint. Is that the case with your advisor, your superior?” ? Do you go straight to HR?

“It’s really difficult to navigate and it can be really scary. So it’s really great to see NHS England now offering this anonymous type of reporting.”