Andrew Picken and Lisa Summers reported from BBC Scotland News that NHS Lothian has issued an apology to maternity care staff following the discovery of a toxic workplace environment within its women’s services. An independent review was initiated by the health board after a whistleblowing report exposed staff shortages and workplace dynamics that endangered patient safety. The review uncovered a sense of mistrust between managers and staff in maternity care, with over a third of frontline workers admitting they felt incapable of reporting unethical behavior without facing repercussions. NHS Lothian acknowledged and apologized for the negative experiences of several staff members, highlighting recent improvements made in response to the findings.
In December of the previous year, concerns regarding safety in the obstetrics triage and assessment unit at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary were brought to light in a whistleblowing report, where 17 issues were upheld or partially upheld. The document revealed significant obstacles within the working environment, such as understaffing leading to delays in women receiving necessary treatment. A subsequent report regarding the organizational culture of NHS Lothian’s women’s services uncovered strained relationships with leaders, resulting in issues related to overall well-being, stress, and instances of bullying or unfair treatment. Staff were briefed on the report’s outcomes, emphasizing the need to eliminate behaviors that are not conducive to a positive workplace atmosphere.
Tom Power, Director of People and Culture at NHS Lothian, expressed that many staff members view their work in women’s services as a calling. He reiterated the commitment of the health board in supporting staff members better to carry out their duties effectively, reassuring patients and their families that they will receive top-quality care from dedicated professionals. Approximately half of the 1,195 staff in women’s services participated in a survey conducted by external reviewers, with half of the respondents indicating that their managers demonstrate fairness to all employees. However, a significant portion of staff (36%) felt apprehensive about reporting unethical conduct due to fears of reprisals. The report highlighted concerns about burnout, increased stress, and sick leave stemming from high workloads and inadequate staffing, with prevalent issues of bullying and a toxic work environment identified. NHS Lothian disclosed ongoing efforts to address these concerns, including the recruitment of nearly 30 new midwives and other personnel in response to the feedback received
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