Concerns over NHS Forth Valley culture

NHS bosses in the Forth Valley are being slammed for creating a toxic culture in a new report. 

Of the 747 staff who responded to the survey, three quarters gave negative feedback.

It comes amid claims of bullying, gossiping and an increasingly hostile environment.

NHS Forth Valley say work was already underway to "proactively improve" the culture.

Karren Morrison is from the UNISON's NHS Forth Valley branch:

"Whilst shocking, the outcome of this review isn’t surprising to NHS staff who’ve been shouting from the rooftops for action to deal with the toxic environment at NHS Forth Valley.

"We know there is a commitment from the new leadership at NHS Forth Valley to address the long-standing issues of bullying within the organisation. But it’s disheartening that we still haven’t seen tangible changes towards a creating a respectful workplace.

"We need decisive action. NHS Forth Valley must deliver improvements not just talk about them. This is the last chance they have to prove their commitment or staff are going to lose faith in them. NHS staff must be able to come to work without the fear of bullying."

A statement from NHS Forth Valley said:

"We are committed to improving the experience of local staff and patients and work was already underway to proactively improve the culture prior to escalation. This work was expanded to form part of a wider Culture Change and Compassionate Leadership Programme which has been taken forward across the organisation over the last 18 months. During this time, we have gathered feedback through extensive engagement with staff and partners about their experiences of working in NHS Forth Valley. While a number of staff shared details of negative situations and behaviours they had experienced, many others shared positive examples and highlighted what they enjoy about their work.

Staff have not only been at the forefront of identifying the issues they would like to see addressed, but also in identifying the actions and solutions which will have the biggest positive impact. Work is now underway with staff to prioritise these actions and build on existing work to take forward a wide range of improvements. A number of changes have already been made to encourage staff to speak up and ensure that any issues or concerns raised are acted on.

We recognise there is still more to do, however we know from feedback from staff and staff-side representatives that they are seeing signs of positive changes in the culture, leadership and governance at all levels within the organisation. The most recent Safe Delivery of Care report on Forth Valley Royal Hospital also highlighted a range of positive changes and improvements. Inspectors observed an open and supportive culture where senior hospital managers were visible and accessible to staff who felt able to raise any concerns. They also found the areas they visited calm and well led with hospital teams working together to provide compassionate care."