The Health Secretary has been urged to intervene in a row over bullying in Argyll & Bute health and care services. 

Local MP Brendan O’Hara said claims a staff survey led by senior management met requirements for a ‘wholly independent’ review of the issue “stretched credibility to the limit”.

Now he has written to Jeane Freeman asking her to order a new investigation into workplace culture saying it is “unacceptable” management has effectively investigated itself.

One of the recommendations of the 2019 report into harassment in NHS Highland was for a separate review into management in Argyll and Bute.

John Sturrock QC, who carried out the review, did not have enough time to look into the situation in the area fully but highlighted staff concerns over “toxic” and “intimidating” work environments.

He wrote: ‘I am persuaded that a specific review of management practices in Argyll and Bute is necessary and, because the nature of some of the allegations implicate management at a very senior level, consideration should be given to this being conducted by someone from outside the area who is viewed as wholly independent.’

In response to the report, leaders from Argyll & Bute council, health partnership and NHS commissioned a staff survey from an external agency that reported earlier this year.

Nearly 7 in 10 current and former NHS staff had experienced bullying and harassment, it found, though 70% of current health service staff did not respond.

Health and social care partnership (HSCP) boss Joanna Macdonald previously told healthandcare.scot: “The findings from this review were published in May and we offered a sincere apology to colleagues who had indicated that they had experienced bullying and harassment and we immediately put in place a 100 day action plan to address the key findings in addition to our existing culture programme activity.

“It is important that our focus and energy remains on rectifying the issues raised and improving the culture, rather than conducting further reviews which may delay us providing some closure for staff who are the most important people in this whole issue.”

This response has been branded ‘wholly unsatisfactory’ by local politicians and staff representatives, who are now calling on the Health Secretary to step in and order a fully independent review.

In a letter to Ms Freeman, Mr O’Hara states: ‘We believe that it is totally unacceptable therefore that that senior management, by means of a staff survey have now taken control of that process and have in effect, taken on the responsibility of investigating themselves.

‘Refusing to have an independent review will do nothing to alleviate the already deep-seated concerns that have been expressed to us by both current and former members of staff, who without exception, see senior management as being part of the problem.’

The local MP goes on to say that many have lost faith in the ability of senior management to take their concerns seriously and act appropriately.

He adds: ‘Any claim therefore that a senior management led staff survey; one whose findings are then fed back to those same senior managers, is somehow an adequate response to Mr. Sturrock’s recommendation is preposterous, and for NHS Highland, Argyll & Bute Council and the HSCP to claim it has fully complied with what was asked of them in the Sturrock Report, stretches credulity to the limit.’

The Scottish government has backed the approach taken by management.

A spokesman said: ‘’We are aware that NHS Highland and Argyll and Bute Council are exploring how they may work together to support staff from across both Health and Social Care who have experienced bullying.

"The Cabinet Secretary is taking a close interest in this and considering whether any further action is required."

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