Bullying and toxic culture at one of England's largest NHS trusts - BBC Newsnight

Newsnight previously uncovered deep concerns about what was going on inside the University Hospitals Birmingham Trust, from allegations of whistleblowers being threatened, to the father of a junior doctor who killed herself saying the hospital had destroyed her.
The reports resulted in three inquiries being launched, the first of which, an interim report into patient safety, came out on Tuesday.
It sought to reassure the public saying the trust's various sites were a safe place to receive care. But it warned any continuation of a corrosive culture there would impact morale, hit staffing, and “put at risk the care of patients”.
The report highlights the Queen Elizabeth hospital, saying there's clear evidence that cultural problems persist there and require serious attention.
Sir Robert Francis - the barrister who headed the Mid-Staffs hospital inquiry told Newsnight that, “patients will not be safe in any organisation unless staff feel they will be supported if they speak up about their genuine concerns”.
David Grossman and the NHS team speak to the Trust’s chief executive Jonathan Brotherton and the report’s author professor Mike Bewick.
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[@emmylou2652]

I was a whistleblower (nurse) 16 years ago against bullies, alone. I was threatened & I wouldn’t take it. It took 2 years & I ‘won’ but there are no winners. It’s brutal. I lost everything but never my integrity. I was so unwell for so long (PTSD & more) even though the Trust was in the wrong. I’m back nursing in the NHS for 3 years now which I said I’d never do & loving it but standing up to these people costs dearly - you certainly find out what you’re made of……& it changes you forever

[@custossecretus5737]

It’s a sad case, that when decent people stand up for what is right, they stand alone against the many that will defend what is wrong. All the power is with the wrong doer’s who will crush anyone who speaks up. This is the state of our NHS.

[@Dayton-xk8xb]

It's bad.

[@ramyagoncillo9674]

@@custossecretus5737 SAVE BRITISH LIVES. SAVE THE NHS BEFORE IT GETS PRIVATISED... We have to analyse facts: Check the NHS employment statistics since 1960's its a Migrant Run system within that we deskilled our entire population and left them entitled. (1) Import Indian Doctors and Management (it makes sense Indians already manage England everywhere else) (2) Import Filipino Nurses (3) Remove all Entitled British regardless of color even Indian or Filipino British will be too lazy and entitled it something in the culture. Forget checking the NHS employment statistics these 2 Migrants are in the top 5 of Medical Care Globally 👏🏽 Facts need to be accepted. But they are retiring and dying so the system is going back to the British people, with the combo of Brexit the curtain went back on the British Public to perform we Procrastinate and Strike instead.... Adjust laws and skilled Migrants ONLY......... Import Indian Doctors and Management Import Filipino Nurses before they are all imported TO DUBAI FACT! DO IT OR FACE PRIVATISATION BOTTOM LINE SAVE BRITISH LIVES

[@keepingitreal618]

Often the bully’s are those who are held in high esteem and have awards. How well they weave their wicked ways with praise from all who are totally oblivious to it.

[@teamorn7539]

Same here. Same happened to me and the PTSD too. I’m still not working due to this trauma.

[@davidhutton5306]

Britain has a culture of work bullying no matter the industry. It starts at school and then transcends to work life.

[@SamuelBlack84]

Why? Are we so insecure as a nation?

[@tea-chip-cookies]

​@@SamuelBlack84I've always noticed this and I feel like important subjects perhaps are not mandatory in schools. In an ideal world, manners and etiquettes could be a one off subject. Also in workplaces there should be some kind of complaint procedure against workplace bullying that's easy to deal with. But ofcourse in life it doesn't work that way.

[@sarahsalter678]

@David Hutton you are spot on!!👍🏽

[@AluminumOxide]

That could be due to remnants of the Victorian era and the industrial revolution, where school and work was cruel especially for children.

[@tea-chip-cookies]

​@@AluminumOxidethat's interesting

[@Gusburg]

as a med student we're told to whistleblow but honestly hearing horror stories from work and the amount of bullying you receive as a junior doctor from consultants and nurses etc will prevent us speaking up fearing for being bullied further will end up causing patient harm. it's terrible and i want the public to know the nhs is a toxic workplace

[@welshlady212000]

You will be one of these people one day.

[@tommywx2042]

I know nursing students and nurses are often treated horribly by their seniors - is this the case with med students too? You'd think seniors would be a bit more appreciative. Best of luck to you buddy, the jr docs and nurses deserve more

[@tommywx2042]

@@welshlady212000 I'd hope the next generation of nurses and docs will recognize the abuse they get from the older generation and not follow suit.

[@CookieBlue1646]

JUST SPEAK UP! Don't allow to be Bullied! U have every legal right to speak n report!

[@ramyagoncillo9674]

@@tommywx2042 SAVE BRITISH LIVES. SAVE THE NHS BEFORE IT GETS PRIVATISED... We have to analyse facts: Check the NHS employment statistics since 1960's its a Migrant Run system within that we deskilled our entire population and left them entitled. (1) Import Indian Doctors and Management (it makes sense Indians already manage England everywhere else) (2) Import Filipino Nurses (3) Remove all Entitled British regardless of color even Indian or Filipino British will be too lazy and entitled it something in the culture. Forget checking the NHS employment statistics these 2 Migrants are in the top 5 of Medical Care Globally 👏🏽 Facts need to be accepted. But they are retiring and dying so the system is going back to the British people, with the combo of Brexit the curtain went back on the British Public to perform we Procrastinate and Strike instead.... Adjust laws and skilled Migrants ONLY......... Import Indian Doctors and Management Import Filipino Nurses before they are all imported TO DUBAI FACT! DO IT OR FACE PRIVATISATION BOTTOM LINE SAVE BRITISH LIVES

[@stevenparker3952]

Having worked in the NHS for 10 years, hospital nurses are some of the most bullying group of people. I’m not sure why, but even as a patient they’re rude, brash and no bed side manner so you can imagine what they say & do when you’re a colleague

[@aryandefenseleague8243]

How many are British?

[@stevenparker3952]

@@aryandefenseleague8243 the nurses who weren’t born in England were actually quite polite or didn’t get involved.. the middle aged nurses who would bully a 16 year old were all English born and bred

[@nusaibahibraheem8183]

​@@aryandefenseleague8243 Nice try, blame the foreigners🙄

[@eloiinvestigates]

@@nusaibahibraheem8183 you're right. It was a cheap shot. Most of the problem makers are usually f in the middle to later years of their career, and from UK/Irl. Foreign grads usually far better to deal with, more diligent and better carers also.

[@Truthseeker6859]

Giving someone medical authority gives them immense power over patients. We should stop believing in the benevolence of medicine and see it what it truly is.

[@TheLadySolitude]

I remember when I came here at age 13 from Greece, and I went to school in Essex, and had never seen bullying before to that extreme. I stood up to the 10 or so bullies in the school, and instead of the school punishing the bullies, they threw me in isolation for the last year of school. Because it's easier to remove one person than ten. The school literally taught those ten people that if they stick together, then they'll override what's right. And they taught me that even if you stand up for what's right, if you're outnumbered then that means you'll be punished. The society here absolutely is very toxic and the bullying is a common theme among any place in the UK. It's just a horrible society. Absolutely embarrassed to be British. Not surprised that it's in the NHS as well.

[@letitb8963]

I can identify. I have recently threatened a child and parent directly through the school head as the school would not do anything about another child who has repeatedly physically bullied and attacked my son. Given them 3 police incident records. Now, it's all PEACE .

[@no1some186]

That's what happened to me ,same story. I feel you.

[@knwgt5426]

@Naes Galaxy jog on frenchy

[@tehreemshehryare3113]

I totally agree with you. After coming from Pakistan I have gone through same in England. People are so so toxic here. After observing them I felt that they have more mental health issues which causes them to be like this.. for example most of them have been ignored and not properly cared by parents and this is how the chain starts. They are so lonely and ignorant people that this has made them like the way society is now. So much selfishness is here.

[@hadijaht7069]

I agree, if u stand for the truth, u always stand alone

[@ONLYLOVEIZATION]

Bullies aren’t held accountable in the NHS but sickeningly are promoted.

[@Chadhogan111]

Exactly

[@francesahchong8684]

Absolutely

[@maggiemondo7459]

Arrogance in the medical profession is notorious in the UK particularly amongst consultant doctors. These things often stem from the top and until they are addressed throughout the NHS, these horror stories will continue.

[@elizabethmcleod246]

The very same thing is happening in Canada and it has been for over 20 years. Doctors who do not follow the ‘ Standard of Care’ need to be made accountable now! More and more people are becoming disabled or suicidal from lack of proper care. As this post shows they die. It should be a crime to not perform your duties as a doctor!

[@nyakwarObat]

Arrogance is notorious in pretty much all sectors dear, not just medical profession

[@keepingitreal618]

Yep remember the days when it was the norm for surgeon to throw instruments across the room

[@freedom00666]

Dunno why they think they better than anyone else there born they poo and they die just like everyone else so when these people find a way that can change that then we might think there slightly better

[@mayl4152]

@@nyakwarObat not to this level

[@fjan4400]

All NHS Nurses especially the ones in Birmingham City Hospital are the biggest bullies that I have ever come across. After having my daughter via c- section, I was placed in the ward and was left to suffer. I lost alot of blood during the surgery and my heartrate and BP just wouldn't go to normal and required constant drips. But whenever I used to call them so called "nurses" for help everytime they used to come and bully me. I will never ever forget that time. And I have made a massive complain about them which is still being dealt with. Its been 1.5 year but that time is still fresh in my mind.

[@ADEYENO]

Have you tried to go to the police to report this? They don’t deserve their jobs if they’re not doing them properly.

[@HA-qt8vo]

​@@ADEYENO police?

[@fjan4400]

@@ADEYENO I am not gonna let them go. They gonna have to pay for whatever they have done. Not just with me but to everyone else. This is not acceptable. They are getting paid with the ridiculous amount of taxes we pay. We don't deserve their attitude and rude behaviour. They have send their so called official "apologies" after the complaint I made. But I am not accepting that. I ain't letting it go that easily and with just a lame apology.

[@jenlin6715]

Sue for compensation

[@tea-chip-cookies]

I was a student nurse 10 years ago at a London Uni. The bullying I received on the ward shocked me that I never returned back after 1st year. It baffles me that such horrible bullies can become health care professionals. Edit: I also thought in advance during that time that there would be a shortage of nurses in the future due to bullying creating a toxic workplace. Also that it would not be addressed for a long time.

[@jojopatz9766]

Can you share to us what they are telling you?

[@lucylu2705]

The bullying comes from the top! They know themselves and they cover each other! Band 7 and forward… very sad when you love your job! As an NHS worker you are a number easy to be replaced… they will tell you stories about staff who voiced out the bullying and they get rid off them… NHS is not like it used to be…very sad

[@mikesmith8313]

Bullying also comes from the Pharmacy Profession, a little NHS organisation. They are little drug dealing errand boys who deserve a bloody good hiding in hell from everyone. They think they are made men, because they think they run a political organisation but when it comes to real care they can't be arsed and complain about renumeration for the extra services they should be providing at a time of need. They are cowardly little superintendant Pharmacists who think they can hide behind a desk and write someone off with grossly deceitful statements in true penpusher style and think they can get away with it. It disturbs them greatly when I post all their misdeeds all over the internet and far beyond their perception to shame them even further.

[@riverdonoghue9992]

Workplace bullying should be made a criminal offence. I suffered it because I advocated for my patients and raised safeguarding alerts. Its always the good staff who suffer. Its rife in the NHS and private nursing homes.

[@eloiinvestigates]

It will never happen because the bully is in a position of authority over the bullied. They can lie and claim that the subordinate was a poor worker. It's Gaslighting at an institution level scale. And it requires a silent tyranny of vested interests to be maintained. There was a junior doctor in south Africa who claimed bullying, and her consultants decided not to pass her for her intern year. They said her knowledge was less than a final year medical student. Weird, since she had already passed her final exams... But this goes to show, they will block your career if you call them out. It is a tyranny.

[@71518]

Bullying and toxic culture is the Soul of England.

[@lukeallan6486]

Looks like it.

[@Loadarine]

& Wales..

[@SamuelBlack84]

You sound proud of that

[@eloiinvestigates]

@@Loadarine & Ireland

[@honeybabe07]

The soul of it. It’s why they were good at being colonisers

[@XxTheAwokenOnexX]

The biggest scandal here is how media have ignored, and been very silent on the toxic culture of public services in UK for decades

[@SamuelBlack84]

They get told what to say and when to say it

[@Esther-yu1sv]

True, in all the public services especially the civil service

[@sarahsalter678]

Banking too!

[@nickyjones2709]

And we think we have 'free speech ' whatever!!

[@lukeallan6486]

I worked in a hospital and was severely bullied and gaslighted. I also worked in care and its a common theme. I honestly feel bullying is everywhere in England but it is worse in care jobs.

[@Loadarine]

Its bad in Wales aswell.

[@lukeallan6486]

@@Loadarine I dont know I can only speak with my personal experience and my vile bullies were mostly English. Xenophobia also happens even if I go out in pubs, restaurants cinemas.

[@Loadarine]

@@lukeallan6486 bullies are the worst mate. I had it in the construction trade. Mostly in college where i experienced this.

[@ramyagoncillo9674]

@@lukeallan6486 SAVE BRITISH LIVES. SAVE THE NHS BEFORE IT GETS PRIVATISED... We have to analyse facts: Check the NHS employment statistics since 1960's its a Migrant Run system within that we deskilled our entire population and left them entitled. (1) Import Indian Doctors and Management (it makes sense Indians already manage England everywhere else) (2) Import Filipino Nurses (3) Remove all Entitled British regardless of color even Indian or Filipino British will be too lazy and entitled it something in the culture. Forget checking the NHS employment statistics these 2 Migrants are in the top 5 of Medical Care Globally 👏🏽 Facts need to be accepted. But they are retiring and dying so the system is going back to the British people, with the combo of Brexit the curtain went back on the British Public to perform we Procrastinate and Strike instead.... Adjust laws and skilled Migrants ONLY......... Import Indian Doctors and Management Import Filipino Nurses before they are all imported TO DUBAI FACT! DO IT OR FACE PRIVATISATION BOTTOM LINE SAVE BRITISH LIVES

[@zabf8732]

Yeh so surprising that these are the same people responsible for looking after people at their most vulnerable..something is not right.

[@catalinacurio]

It’s not just this hospital, I was bullied worse than anywhere else in my life in a hospital. So much so I had a breakdown, the lack of transparency and support is shocking but what else can we expect when the funds are so low!

[@belmont8792]

Journalism at it's best. Prime example why journalism is so important. 👏👏👏👏👏👏 BBC

[@edjjit]

would be nice if the reported on mr bridgen's debate ;)

[@thundurr]

@@edjjit You literally aren't happy until they report on every little niche random conspiracy ever to exist

[@edjjit]

@@thundurr nope, never will be. glad your enjoying the lack of information.

[@thundurr]

@@edjjit They literally report on nearly like everything, just because your weird random conspiracy theory which no one has heard of wasn't addressed doesn't mean anything

[@edjjit]

@@thundurr i know you may find it weird, im sorry to hear that. just take a look at andrew bridgen's debate in parliament, he is using public data analysis which is fact refenced by the "news" , no theory there... . also look at why Australia has banned AstraZeneca, also fact, and after that you still think its little and weird and a "theory" let me know.

[@unaishakhan161]

I am an admin at one of the NHS trust and some of the consultants come across as bullies and arrogant about the posts whilst others are grateful that admin staff are a crucial part of the patient care.

[@sgusjsk]

Tbh they need to understand as well. That without the other aspects of work the society collapses. I experienced it as well to a disgusting degree at North Middlesex Hospital. I got ganged up on. Oh well. It was a lesson well learned. I have now become less naive because of the experience. I have learned to be friendly but wise.

[@unaishakhan161]

@@sgusjsk I heard a lot of negative staff experience at North Mid. My own boyfriend was bullied by the general manager but he stood on his ground and reported her. Today she’s suspended lol 🤣

[@EllieJadeOke]

I was a bullied patient. Gave me the worst anxiety.

[@tea-chip-cookies]

I'm so sorry that you went through this. I hope you're in a better place now. 🙏

[@bunbun4037]

Ex NHS worker...never again...numerous occasions feeling utterly broken and suicidal...it left its mark...its been 4 years since I left..the memories still make me cry...in the end it was being told that whilst I had been sexually harassed by another member of staff ..nothing would be done because no one else had come forward to management to complain...my complaint was not enough...this was a lie...other female members of staff had confided in me and had told management about his behaviour...nothing was ever done. ..Never ever again..go to f*ccin hell!

[@opheliamyall2554]

Too many bullies in the healthcare field. Had my share of bullying from other nurses, nursing assistants and even doctors. I am happy to no longer be a part of the system

[@Georgetown327]

Bullying happens a lot to international staff! I am just happy that we are allowed to speak up and address issues in our unit but I feel so sad to my fellow international colleagues who are bullied specially those who are working in the wards!

[@nyakwarObat]

Institutional racism at it's finest

[@pinin1708]

very true, by staff and patients too

[@masakkali499]

Most of the times you have to give back the same as you receive...in my experience most of the bullies are English and as soon as you start speaking back to them that too in a rude manner they will be lost for words soon... that's my tactics in handling them and it has worked till now.

[@lukeallan6486]

In my experience working in care jobs the bullies were mostly White English. It was pure xenophobia. I received the abuse and witnessed them bullying other foreign workers too. Its a archaic attitude that has not changed.

[@Georgetown327]

@@masakkali499 that’s what im doing right now. No more mr. Nice guy lol. Back then I was shy, still adjusting to the attitude and language.

[@JenTargaryen]

I was a nurse in Heartlands for around a year. I was bullied relentlesly by my senior nurse with 18 years of experience, I was told that 5 other nurses had left that year because of her and I ultimately did as well. I tried to speak about this seniour nurse to absolutely everyone who could help me and nobody did. I was suicidal, clearly very upset at the beggining of every shift, and nobody cared. The NHS is toxic and hostile towards employees and patients are paying for it. I wish somebody would listen to what nurses and other employees have been saying for ages.

[@welshlady212000]

Look them in the eye and ask them if they know what narcissism is. It’s life changing in situations like this.

[@beaulieuc8910]

I am not surprised. This is awful. So many people don't speak up about it. I would never work for the NHS

[@catalinacurio]

I tell the kids in my family not to be nurses.

[@AMiah-jz8uu]

@@catalinacurio loool

[@JacobSheppard78]

I’m a nurse in the same hospital! Out of curiosity are you still at bhh?

[@jayg2725]

Finally this is being addressed. As many have said, bullying in the NHS is widespread. I'm an ex university lecturer who trained and worked in Birmingham. For the past 25 - 30 years the QE hospital and it's quality of care due to the working culture has led to questions that have never been answered. I hope they also take a look at the gynecology departments record over the last 30 yrs. I believe they will find high mortality rates for cesarian operations. I recall a time when a Consultant from a Mental Health Trust stated that she'd rather not send her pregnant patient to the QE because she believed lead doctors were racist and she observed inequalities in care. As said, the bullying of whistleblowers means nothing gets done or dealt with.

[@Elisa19]

Happy this is being covered by the news. I had a bad experience here with me and my son.

[@katcankan7129]

Don't get your hopes up. This is nothing new. It is how Government bodies are run. We've heard this all before over & over again. Only a fool would believe what they say at this point. Let actions speck rather then more words.

[@tea-chip-cookies]

I'm sorry that you went through this! 😢

[@beaulieuc8910]

My own doctor told me his wife was bullied (Kent, UK) Hospital staff are often narcissistic and self serving. Narcs are attracted to the profession

[@lukeallan6486]

Wow yes I live in Kent and its full of xenophobia and bullying.

[@amnakhan763]

your absolutely your right, I recently went through hell for my childrens treatment abuse by canulas, nurses ganging up making lies and causing problems when I was asked for blood results behaviour was abusive and they never left a chance to bully my 8 year old who was quiet and scared from the nurses.

[@twee2237]

I was a patient at Homerton hospital in London and 3 nurses ganged up and bullied me relentlessly for the 4 days I was an inpatient. I was insulted, deprived of most basic care to "teach me a lesson" and I felt very frightened for my safety. They also wrote bare-faced lies in the medical records! And, from what I saw, I was not the only victim on that ward.

[@tea-chip-cookies]

I'm so sorry that you went through this! That could have been any one of us in your place 😢

[@christinedavis5813]

I am sorry too, I went through the same at ST Barts in London Comment about it at the top of the page

[@eloiinvestigates]

They even bully kids. I was stealth bullied by NS when I was 11, and receiving chemo. They did it by completely ignoring me, and not providing any nursing care to me. No prn medications for N&V. No assistance to the toilet, when I had diarrhoea. No help with extreme itch and up all night itching like crazy. No help when I had mouth ulcers. Nothing. One of the NS later said to my mum that they refused to help me because they didn't like her (my mum). This behaviour can only occur if it comes from the top. Someone in a position of authority always sanctions this. my mum must have stepped on some senior NS toes, and all of a sudden, I'm no longer receiving any nursing care.

[@annmarieblagrove4196]

Oh , where do I start, I have experienced discrimination, bullying, nepotism, cronyism. Consequently now having to live with PTSD. The NHS is being run like a “family business “.

[@nehakulkarni5009]

They should investigate many nurses , who bully or a buse patients.

[@sandraevans6930]

This happens in every hospital up and down the country. In every dept, in my experience, the nurses were the worst offenders. Nasty snobbish little creeps who's only concern was which doctor they were going to bed next.

[@memorynelson7441]

😮😮😮😮😂😂

[@Peace-ys6nt]

i feel very sorry for the staff and patients who faced this, it’s an absolute toxic environment something has to give to put a stop to all this madness!

[@Paradox370]

i spoke up recently, whistleblew on my department and the next thing i know, i am being referred for potential disciplinary for speaking up and raising a legitemate concern. management gang up together and bully innocent people who are trying to do an honest days work and look out for patient safety. i will be fighting this all the way. but management culture in the NHS is so awful, this is not even an exaggeration. they are absolute bullies and have no morals or integrity to own up to their mistakes and simply apologise. the nhs is toxic to its core.

[@rosyapplekitchen635]

Yes the bullies who are only concerned about their salaries and stealing NHS money, they see you as a threat

[@michelles2299]

And they cover things up

[@michelles2299]

​@Cheeky Monkey 🐒 the trust where I work hasapolicy of freedom to speak up which is another word for whistleblowing they ask us to do this before a formal grievance but it doesn't work in fact it givesmanagement an opportunity to get together and find ways to silence you or cover things up the grievance procedure istraumatic left me with anxiety it like trying to swim against the biggest wave and not drown

[@Paradox370]

@@michelles2299 I whistleblew through the freedom to speak up guardian and later learnt that the guardian representative was actually colluding with management and passing on details of confidential discussions I had had with them. These guardians representatives do not remain impartial in the way they are advertised, they are in fact in with management. On paper the freedom to speak up guardian service looks great but they are absolutely useless and make the situation worse.

[@AnthonyD-yy2in]

Bulling and toxic culture just about sums up the whole country of England anyway. If you don't fit into "a nice little neat box" then you just have to be prepared to defend yourself often. I gave as good as I got.. but decided to move on anyway. I'm more or less happy living in America now.

[@tenniskinsella7768]

Bullying sorry I don't believe what y are saying about England

[@femiokeke3274]

Spot on 🎯🎯🎯sadly it’s ingrained in the fibre of the society

[@ILoveHendrix]

I experienced bullying on a postgraduate course in England. It was brutal!

[@SamuelBlack84]

Bullying is a disease in every country across the world. Wherever people exist, they'll desperately find any way they can to undermine others I love how they often obsess over conformity when it changes constantly depending on the newest idiotic trends

[@Peter-mj6lz]

@@SamuelBlack84But does it vary by culture?

[@polygonalmasonary]

This is what happens when you put lesser quailed, non clinicians in positions of management in an organisation that DEMANDS management that understand the medical criteria and priorities. It’s not rocket science. Stop saving money, start saving lives again 😮😮😮

[@Esther-yu1sv]

well said

[@takezo466]

remember doing my work experience at the QE and saw firsthand the toxic nurses talking behind each other's back and senior nurses bullying the nurses in training. it was disgusting to be honest

[@helenbirdart]

It's awful at many NHS hospitals which I witnessed and personally experienced as a student nurse back in the 1980's. As soon as I graduated, I got the heck out and moved to the USA. I was absolutely horrified as a junior student nurse who witnessed a ward sister going through a patient cardex & marking patients as DNR. This is a decision to be made by the patient, their family and a physician!

[@honeybabe07]

The UK is terrible but the NHS is a mafia basically and run to keep peoples schum. All their board of trustees are white and right. It’s all a mirage the “free” health care

[@icilmaa]

Yep, I've always said that there must be many murders which happen in those hospitals.

[@soaf1985]

During covid, those DNR orders sadly became more common. They did the same to my Dad. Luckily, we questioned it and did not accept it. The initial Dr was very rude and condescending. She spoke as if there was no hope for my Dad, I honestly thought he was going to die. Due to my mum working for the NHS herself (for decades) in the past, she knew the medical terms they tried to throw out. My Dad managed to get better in the end, but it upsets me to think what would have happened if we didn't stand up for him. Also, it makes me sad to think of all the elderly patients who had no family to support them either.

[@SamuelBlack84]

It would be difficult for her to do that I front of me and continue making use of her eyes

[@jason38800]

I had qualified for 4 years and worked in the nhs during this time. I am now actively taking steps to apply for a nursing license in the US and all the procedures that follow it.

[@chipmaska6179]

I worked in this Hospital Queen Elizabeth Birmingham 8 years ago was bullied so much ,its worse on international nurses.

[@mpumengoza7286]

I used to work for NHS from 2002 to 2013. Most of my time I was bullied by senior members of staff. No matter how much I tried to work efficiently they would go their way to find a mistake. When the doctor tell you something about the patient during ward round no one would believe what you said. It was purely because you are inefficient, you don't know what you are doing. Then when you are proven right no one would say anything or apologize to you..when you are black you are targeted by everyone who does not look like you. They will speak to you any how as if you have no brain. I was depressed and constantly cried everytime I got home. I became suicidal and I was a mess. But I stayed for some reason I don't know why. I so wish I left early. I don't even know who I am today. I am glad eventually I left and go back to my country. I would rather be poor and happy than be rich and miserable. Several times I was told that I do not belong there I needed to leave.

[@rosahacketts1668]

Let me tell you now - it isn't only medical staff but also office personnel that go through planned bullying at UHB by Ward Managers and Matrons I became very ill because of it. The behaviour is very sadistic - such evil.

[@Kwippy]

Exhausted and demoralised health care workers make mistakes, and now in the UK, litigations against the NHS and its workers are increasing very fast. Last estimate some years ago the NHS has 70 billion pounds worth of litigations, triple its annual budget. There is nothing more demoralising for healthcare workers than being sued, risking total ruin to their lives and careers. The NHS is a very unhappy place to work so is it surprising that some workers act in deplorable ways which they might not have done if their lives weren't so wretched?

[@RXM-ri9bv]

There are many industries that are miserable to work in, but that doesn't mean the end user must suffer because you decided to join the industry

[@icilmaa]

The NHS is not being sued for nothing. Some of the things I've heard of patients about their experiences while in hospital even with my own family members has been disgusting.

[@atekle1382]

bullying in england workplaces is so common 23 years I lived here and everwhere you go is the same, the confusing part is that you are offered a job only to quit it because you can't handle what they will put you thru. it is the catch 22 situation.

[@JP-oe4ry]

Geez is there any British institution which isn't toxic?

[@tea-chip-cookies]

Even in nurseries you get co workers who are lazy and have a go at you for not doing their work!

[@camilla_k97]

R.I.P. 😢 Don't let more people die because of the incompleteness of the NHS staff!

[@tenniskinsella7768]

Amila my older brother..he is 91.im 77 wentbin hospital with pneumonia.. hes got a lotb.of health problems said he hadn't.pneumonia anymore sent home He's ill shoulnt have been discharged cant even feed himself at the moment Carer had a row with the hospital anyone could see he shoulnt have come. Home

[@hadafenix]

Camila, take action and work in the NHS, get the test of medical narcissistic way of be and patients violence and then tell me how you clear the way to have a healthy healthcare system

[@SamuelBlack84]

Any form of medical care that denies lifesaving treatment due to high costs and abandons its patients to die doesn't deserve to exist

[@hopealoyce3678]

Just pray you dont have to be admitted to those wards *(NHS of course).is an open grave speaking from expirience.

[@tea-chip-cookies]

If a family member, friend or neighbor is in hospital try to make a schedule to visit them often. When my older brother caught pneumonia, you best believe that we all took turns to sit there for 2 hours each, to keep an eye on him.. We all know what can happen if nobody is there!

[@clairel2430]

I worked for an NHS Trust and experienced segregation and bullying, luckily for me I had 2 close colleagues who I could speak to. All 3 of us eventually left the trust. I explained everything in my exit interview. When I moved to a new trust everyone who previously worked at the old trust had a bullying experience. It makes me very worried if I ever move from the good trust I am at now that I would experience bullying again

[@SamuelBlack84]

For the sake of argument, what would have happened I you threatened the bully? They go whining to complain about you?

[@tea-chip-cookies]

I never knew there was an exit interview?

[@tea-chip-cookies]

​@@SamuelBlack84these kinds of people have so much energy for trouble making that you can never deal with a narcissistic or even sociopathic personality trait. They just put you on flight mode

[@clairel2430]

@AA🌺 yes there is, it might be in person but they just gave me a form to fill in. Then HR called me after I left to discuss it

[@sawakohirai271]

Relieved that I had not heard of or come across such a serious and systematic bullying culture at the NHS hospital where I used to work, not far from Birmingham.

[@Lilianjade]

The “acting CEO” is speaking out of his a**, that’s obvious . Make every person in authoritative postions in the trust answerable and have them face serious consequences instead of continuing in their current positions!

[@lemongoose1210]

It’s nightmare to stay in hospital. I hope I never go to Coventry hospital again.

[@RXM-ri9bv]

Thank you very much BBC for highlighting the bullying culture in Birmingham hospitals, which has a direct negative impact on patient care. Having used these hospitals growing up, I've had first hand experience in watching older, out dated nurses bullying staff and patients in board daylight. They are meant to sustain life and provide pain reliefing care, instead they are rude, unconsiderate, negligent and create a toxic culture which breeds health care standards which you'd expect in a 3rd world country. Heartlands, QE, and City Hospital are soo poor and have been since the 90's. Nothing has changed in a decade and its down to out dated, about to retire doctors and nurses who are no longer in thier profession to saves lives, make end of life patients comfortable or make a positive difference. They turn up to get paid that's all, and even complain about the pay when it's in line with what nurses get paid globally.

[@eloiinvestigates]

But honestly, who's prepared to stop them? They get like this, and no one can call them out on their bullying and gaslighting. It's an impossible situation to be in, as a junior doctor, let me tell you. Because your direct boss is being rewarded handsomely, and you're dependent on references, so you can't rock the boat.

[@eloiinvestigates]

I totally agree about the comment about outdated about to retire doctors btw. They are as much / or more to blame for taking advantage of junior colleagues, and letting the hospitals get out of control. I also agree that they only turn up to get paid. The actual work gets done by junior doctors and junior nurses. I have huge respect for young nurses, but eventually they settle in to a dept, and adopt the same behaviours as the rest.

[@uqox]

This is so terrifying. Patients need advocates. When you silence them that leads to these negative outcomes for the patients. Those frontline nurses and doctors know what's going on and which of their colleagues are dangerously negligent. Then those managers/administrators try to cover it up and the death continues. Name names! More admins are making these dangerous decisions. Name them!

[@pinin1708]

Its terrifying for the staff to speak up, NHS is underfunded and staff being bullied to do work that's out of their remit and if something goes wrong everyone stays hush hush. The issue isn't just some doctors/staff are neglectful, the issue is dangerous practice by staff because of the immense pressures from the above.

[@tea-chip-cookies]

Here here

[@keeweeow624]

Yeah there's no defence for whistleblowers. Why would I risk my livelihood and my sanity only to be gaslighted. Nothing is being done.

[@_xanna]

It’s not exclusive to Birmingham. I was bullied by some staff in a hospital down south as a trainee and I’ve even see them be extremely rude to patients. I am so glad i chose to leave and I’m so much happier elsewhere now non-nhs.

[@SheepofTheShepherd-nu3lz]

Their should be a "No Gossip" policy in any work place Just the same for no bullying as well When you look at the word slander the biblical meaning of the word comes from Greek text as Diabolos Which is the word for Devil or Devilish Any one who is Narcissistic fits this description

[@jeanclaudejunior]

shut up goddamn it. Jesus was still transgender, woke, left, black and a hermaphrodite

[@lukeallan6486]

Goodluck finding that in Care in England. In all care jobs I have worked at its all very common. The anti bullying policies don't mean anything at all.

[@passiveaggressive6175]

Very unrealistic but I get your point👍🏾

[@SheepofTheShepherd-nu3lz]

@@passiveaggressive6175 it's unrealistic because folks are so tuned in to it and it has become the norm, is it right? NO!

[@SheepofTheShepherd-nu3lz]

@@lukeallan6486 it's the arrogance of the Hospital Management and trickles down to the staff is it right?NOPE

[@jacqueline8307]

I work at St Mary's hospital in London. The ward I work has a lot of bullies, talking about nurses and HCA. I'm not a VICTIM in any of the mistreatment I had to endure. But NHS staff create a lot of toxic culture for new starters as well as patients. Nurses are horrible and judgemental. If you voice your concern to the manager, you became the villain and creates difficulty in working safely. They expect you to suffer in silence and keep your mouth shut. Now that's the story in working for NHS frontline. It is not as professional as one thinks.

[@hadijaht7069]

Yeah true 💯

[@tea-chip-cookies]

My mother had a stroke and was sent to St Mary's in 2005. The nurses were absolutely horrid and brutul to her, my God. I was actually surprised that she survived under their care. My friends elderly father was sent there and when she turned up, she'd seen that he had been neglected so she just discharged him herself and took him home that day. I used to hear sooo many complaints about royal free hospital for years. (since the 90's)

[@lucylu2705]

BBC should look at the bullying in London NHS Trust

[@jacqueline8307]

@@lucylu2705 As much as I am grateful for my job in the NHS, the bullying is utterly appalling. The NHS has certainly gone downhill in terms of the standards, staffing and patient care👎.

[@erykfreethinker7147]

We are going backwards as a nation to Victorian times - lack of respect for life for the less wealthy classes, bullying in the hospitals, the fire service, the Services and the police from my reading of the newspapers and looking at the interviewee who cannot even dress properly for the occasion and has a lack of authoritative speech it seems there might be bullying from above his position. We are becoming a Third World country and there seems to be little hope of improving. To quote "we are listening" - they have not listened and are not listening now. If we do not have private health insurance as well as the public insurance we pay then we are at risk.

[@alanbeaumont4848]

Actually Georgian times. The Victorians managed to reform things.

[@erykfreethinker7147]

@@alanbeaumont4848 Actually it was how they reformed them that was the problem - and I know about the results of that from personal experience Alan.

[@tea-chip-cookies]

This is interesting that you two are talking about victoriana and Georgian times!

[@dduchess3606]

This is systemic when you try to complain they close ranks and protect the organisation rather than deal with the bullying. I spent more 30 years in NHS, as a student nurse I was sexually harassed by a Consultant I was young and too scared to say anything. As a qualified nurse the bullying escalated from gender through to race you name it. If you think the police service is bad you ain’t seen nothing yet!😮

[@bigduke2140]

I have only been bullied by women in any job but since their bosses were also women, nothing happened at all. Female nurses are very big bullies but nothing ever happens when it is reported.

[@thepearlswirl]

No surprise there. I’ve seen it myself.. I was silent and shocked bc it wasn’t my place to say anything but I heard enough to know..

[@pinin1708]

The system that NHS has created is a bully it self!!! Immense pressure across all departments, you meet the demands or you are not good enough, if you are not good enough be good enough by working X3 harder and longer, you try and make mistakes everything falls apart.

[@terry3494]

I totally agree...its pressure that causes most of the bullying, staff highly stressed. And agency being paid 3 times as much, but not knowing patients and having to be carried throughout the shift !! Everyone is just miserable working 8n the nhs at the moment..you dread going to work 😢

[@pinin1708]

​@@terry3494 It's not even the pay Terry, the public is assuming the NHS workers are greedy and should sacrifice their life to their job however we end up doing 2 people's job. It's not worth it, I have been told off and bullied in the past to do 2 mens job because I am on a certain band which puts me and my patients in danger. When mistakes happen, they then say well you should have said something, when you say something they say you cannot take the pressure, this is what's been required and everyone is able to do it. Reality is that everyone is suffering but staying silent.

[@trailmark4504]

Is flip-flopping and backstabbing the same thing? Here are some examples. For myself, I grew up homeless, living in my car and working out of labor pools as a carpenter. Often times, I would get woken up by the police knocking on my car window telling me to move on. Sometimes it wasn't even the police but someone trying to break into my car. It was very stressful. Many times I would walk off the stress by going to the Appalachian Trail. Hiking to the top of a rocky knob overlooking the Appalachian Valley, I no longer felt homeless. I felt human, loving my feelings and very grateful that God gave me life to experience with mother nature. It was only a week before that I was threatened with prison because I was a scumbag living on the streets of the United States of America. Today I am having breakfast (rainbow trout and eggs) next to a waterfall watching a deer drinking out of a stream enjoying the breakfast I caught with my fly rod moments ago. Hiking along the Appalachian Trail, people are loving each other, being able to share their experience in mother nature with other people coming out of life's miracle. In the city, people are hating each other, creating governments that can't even find the room to allow people to sleep in their cars. God does not backstab; people do. Some people may feel they were backstabbed when the Republican Party gave them a president that tried to overthrow a democratic form of government. Mother nature may have felt backstabbed when the president reneged on his promise not to allow oil drilling on federal property in Alaska. Even Selena Gomez could be feeling depressed because the people she wrote love songs about are now fat-shaming her for growing older. Rhode Island may be feeling they were flip-flopped on electing a congressman who lied his way to the top. Today I am living on government assistance and I have never felt so depressed in my life. Life does have meaning and I'm going to share it. I can remember the time when I was backpacking in the Smoky Mountains, I put up my hammock watching this deer drinking out of a stream behind me. With the smell of pine needles rising off the sunbaked ground I started to believe that none of this was real. The sun was starting to set, there was this green hue coming off the moss-covered rocks rising over the stream between the shadows of the mountains. I close my eyes to take a short nap, when I open them again I noticed this butterfly in front of me sitting on my hammock. In less than 15 minutes they were all over me bringing so many colors with them I thought I was in Disneyland and all of this was being made up… I was wrong, I even caught a trout later on that day. Needless to say, this was one of the best days I ever had Just me myself and I waking up to the realization that I was a spiritual being. PS. I have found nature to have the best checks and balances in learning who I am. It is so sad that coming back to the city I have to find it from norms and mores politics and religion to know where I stand among my peers today. People are divided and their children have to learn who they are coming out of hate. By the way, homeless people are not homeless they are just through-hikers in life. To be honest about it, city lights and all of its toys doesn't come anywhere close to the intensity you can find knowing your life is real coming out of mother nature.

[@goodnightmyprince6734]

What a beautifully written comment.

[@eloiinvestigates]

You should consider writing poetry, particularly around the themes of nature and connection/ disconnection.

[@AiBkomachi]

😢 the fact that in my NHS trust we are given safe space to speak up but nothing is being done about it 🤡

[@michelles2299]

Same here they put policies in place to look good but they are useless in real terms I have been bullied twice in the same role at the moment I am getting nasty emails from a work colleague my manager knows and won't do anything to nip it in the bud I won't go down the grievance route I did it before and it wasworse I felt like I went through a nightmare and now suffer from anxiety because of it

[@SamuelBlack84]

Life has taught me to never rely on anyone for anything. Whatever you want out of life, do it yourself

[@snsn7251]

Yet all the bullies still have jobs. Top paying jobs. Smh nothing changes.

[@ikr2377]

True

[@tea-chip-cookies]

They have too much energy to stay at work and do as they please

[@public.public]

"We need to learn after making mistakes..." {THAT KILL PEOPLE THROUGH NEGLECT} NO you need to manage a hospital responsibly in the first place. Criminal irresponsibility should be tried in the law courts.

[@richard-hawley]

Imagine if the same attitude to safety in the aviation industry was applied to health. How much better it could be.

[@Chris-rb8ox]

ikr, I feel the same attitude as in aviation would make every industry better, safety critical or not.

[@zabf8732]

I think I need to learn more about safety in the aviation industry

[@Chris-rb8ox]

@@zabf8732 MentourPilot (yt channel) talks about it quite often in his breakdown of aviation incidents. It's also a really high quality aviation channel if you're interested.

[@kuchikopi4631]

​@@zabf8732 very, very strict, pilots have an annual health checkup. From swabbing mouth, numerous types of eye tests, nutz squeeze test, lung capacity, bmi, weight, and a whole lot more.

[@michelles2299]

Ironically the nhs use the aviation model for lessons learned when things go wrong supposedly a no blame culture

[@liavlog7575]

This happen In all nhs hospitals

[@chrisprice4658]

I've had a bad experience in the QE and I'm not surprised this report of the culture within the trust 😢

[@eliharp3576]

Raising concerns is actually an opportunity to learn and improve. It's a matter of perspective.

[@ajokeemmanuel4649]

I worked as a early years practitioner and enjoyed it for many years until I moved outside London and worked for NHS in the community which was a wonderful experience hence my team leaders advice me to take up nursing although I was very reluctant. However, I decided with their support to study child nursing and was full of excitement at this prospect. The first year was okay until my second year when I encountered this bully and her gangsta nurses. To cut the long story short my experience left me suicidal. I have never experience such treatment and will never understand why a supposed caring profession is riddled with such toxicity. I now understood the reason why there are shortage of nurses. I received my Diploma and never worked with it. I am very happy to be alive after all the trauma as a student. No offence, I am glad my children are not in the profession although I am bitter because I would have made a difference. However, I am very happy now working in residential school that appreciates my work ethics.

[@tea-chip-cookies]

Majority of my friends who studied Child Nursing left it and went on to Teaching instead

[@gopi1974]

The same happens in a few other NHS trusts I have worked recently as well. Not just restricted to Birmingham.

[@icethadey]

The Neurosurgeon Consultants are the biggest bullies I encountered in London NHS Trusts I worked ...they assume a demigod position; So are some Senior nurses/Sister/Charge Nurses. ... I dread showing up for a shift on those days...I left the organisation now working in the EU.

[@thisismetoday]

8:00 Let me clarify his answer: No, he is absolutely not clear if any other executives are guilty of this behaviour, and he will not try anything to find out, unless it is forcefully brought to his attention by independent investigators.

[@louarnold8781]

I’ve just lost a close friend to suicide after a local mental health hospital released him after 72 hours on a voluntary section. He was clearly and visibly WORSE from the minute his family collected him. He is now dead. If we as his family could see how unwell and unsafe he was; how do a team of specialists not see it? Allow him to be discharged for him to continue his suicidal behaviours and left in the care of people with no understanding of mental health and resulting in him taking his own life at 55. Leaving 3 sons and life partner. He was a well loved man. We are waiting for the next court hearing for the inquest. Whatever they do or say will never bring him back. He was failed at his most desperate moment. Any forgiveness from me will be to survive the heartbreak I feel over a mistake that took my friends life, and changed everyone who loved him lives forever. And in a way none of us expected or wanted. I hope justice is served to anyone grieving at the hands of a ‘healthcare’ system. 🕊always loved, never forgotten ❤

[@terry3494]

It goes on daily!!! Its petrifying to whistle blow 😢

[@karenlucas8086]

Believe me this is not isolated, I have ended up not working for many years due to a breakdown not from one but from two different NHS trusts, they literally killed me. The bullying is terrible and it gets to you big time if you dare to care and dare to tell the truth. These are supposed caring professionals, ha (sarcastic).

[@fangliu9060]

I live.5 mins to this hospital and been there a few times. What I can see is big space, a lot of staffs but very vey low efficiency. They need 2 staffs standing at one of the entrances doing nothing but tell people to go to another door or let some people in while it is all connected inside anyway. They had to use masking tape to mark where the patients should go. There were only about 15 people in the waiting room in E&A, I have waited 2 hours + and they asked me to wait at least 1 more hour if I want to see the MAX. Beside this recent visit, I also had a horrible experience with this hospital about 2 years ago when I had a huge chest pain. A nurse was taking 3 tubes of blood from me for test and while she do so, I feel so sick and she kept telling me open your eyes!! I opened my eyes and I immediately vomited. I couldn't help...when she saw me vomited along the bed side on to the floor, she started to accuse me vomit on the floor. WTF!! She was saying I should have vomited in a bag. But she didn't give a bag even I had told her I feel really sick really sick. What can I do???? She was blaming a patient at a loud voice and I didn't have any strength left to argue back cause I was so sick. I told my neighbour who happen to be a nurse in that hospital too. She told me that this is not professional behaviour I should have complained about her. I was not shocked to see this bullying culture being reported. This is not enough to push it to change tho...

[@analmond5833]

Unfortunately Toxic culture is also at my NHS trust. Everyone talks about it, However, people are scared to stand up to it, as it is coming from Exec team all the way down. Many times issues were raised, unfortunately, too many promises with no action. I manage to stand up for myself & my team. It’s incredibly hard to change the rest areas where I have no control. However, I still do & openly tell these people I’m staying I’m not going anywhere! Incredibly, at recent local induction CD was justifying why some consultants or senior mgrs are sometimes stressed & may speak ‘firmly’. hilariously, the expectation apparently is that new starters supposed to be understanding to their stress!!!! I also attended NHS conference last year, where right on the stage Senior NHS speakers were saying no one should tolerate toxic culture & leave if they are not happy! Shocking, but true! I put my hand up & asked them straight - why are they not encouraging people to fight toxic cultures? Why don’t we all be brave & stand up to rude, entitled narcissists at work? The answer was, it takes too much energy… Sad… I would like to inspire anyone who is reading to stand up & fight! It is very empowering when you do & only then you will see that toxic people are nothing, but naughty spoilt little children that need telling off to behave. This is our NHS, this is people’s NHS! This is not a money making machine grinding people to the ground - patients lives are at stake for God sake! Do something to start small change wherever you are ❤

[@ONLYLOVEIZATION]

It’s not just this Trust it’s Nationwide. There needs to be a reform and independent helplines for all NHS staff.

[@xena2559]

Culture of fear. It's everywhere.

[@angelabiggs9132]

It's just simple..people need to behave and treat people like human beings. Didn't their parent bring them up

[@tea-chip-cookies]

Some of them have problems at gone so they take it out on others.

[@je6874]

What a great ending line “patients know only too well that a diagnosis is not the same as a cure”

[@tea-chip-cookies]

This is very true. I believe many patients are fearful for their lives if they are surrounded by strangers, who can do as they wish to an extent.

[@ianjames1179]

Ordinary people have no idea of the level of bullying in the NHS. I was bullied for 8 years, every single day until I walked. It was unrelenting for me but Good fun for my manager.

[@sarahr2498]

So frightening 😮

[@marco5718]

To those on the outside healthcare and hospitals exist to provide for our healthcare needs. However, I believe that modern healthcare with it's career structure is failing to value those who entered the professions to help people who are vulnerable and ill. Instead it over values aggressively career minded people who are out solely to progress themselves up the career ladder, and in the process many of these people do no care upon whom they have to walk on in order to achieve their own success. Both the academic "industry" and the hospitals are promoting this self aggrandisement. The health care environment has become overburdened with "metrics" and "care bundles" that although yes they allot a score to the care, they have effectively almost rendered good care almost impossible to give. No Nurse or Doctor has enough time to care anymore, because of the adinfinitum amount of needless paperwork that has infiltrated the hospitals. Furthermore, The "clipboard types" are paid enormous salaries to police this paperwork. Little, wonder that the healthcare environment is toxic, those who really care are not valued or allowed to care. Those who couldn't care less apart from bullying their way to personal success are rewarded.

[@jojopatz9766]

That's also the problem facing teachers today - too much paperwork. 😠😠

[@tsnd2101]

It's not only this hospital.

[@tea-chip-cookies]

The whole comment section is literally explaining this

[@SamiKotiranta]

Over decade of Tory rule and the whole system is absolutely in ruins ..m

[@user-qt1le6ih6i]

I worked for an NHS Trust and was a whistleblower nurse. I was told I needed to stop or I would be stopped. Management made my life hell, I was verbally and psychologically abused, they deliberately set me up at times, got others to bully and mock me, and I ended up with PTSD as a result and resigned. I almost lost my home. I lost my savings trying to survive as I felt too ill to work. A year later and still suffering, I asked my GP to refer me for therapy for PTSD as I couldn't afford to pay privately. I should have known better because the so-called PTSD therapy consisted of gaslighting me into believing I had behaved badly towards the NHS by whistleblowing and it was my fault I lost my job, my savings and almost my home. Up and down the UK, there are horror stories of toxic NHS staff who bully not only other staff but also patients. Some NHS GP's are also bullies. It's like some are so drunk on power. These ones are a danger to both good staff and to all patients who are terribly harmed by these dangerous bullies.

[@keepgoing7533]

Nurses, including male nurses, are reporting incidents of bullying anonymously. Who is doing the bullying is unknown, just that nurses are being threatened.

[@Gusburg]

There are also many stories of junior doctors being bullied by nurses it's very common. Everyone in the NHS is able to be bullies

[@pinin1708]

I wouldn't point fingers to certain professions, the bullying is happening across without exclusion of certain professions or departments. The managers are bullying staff, the doctors also being bullied and nurses etc etc

[@cdean2789]

Does the bullying start at the top.

[@riverdonoghue9992]

I worked in a hospice in London and most of the bullies were women.

[@tea-chip-cookies]

​@@cdean2789even from the bottom. I've had cleaners shout at me to leave when I've tried to visit a dying relative in 2005. Everyone complained about them but nothing was ever done about them

[@jcdg6288]

that aint no trust. that’s a gang

[@sgusjsk]

That is sad. I have seen this in the work environment. It is good for people to speak about this more honestly.

[@hadijaht7069]

It's not the only hospital..I was bullied in Royal masden hospital when doing my placement as a radiotherapist in training...its hard to get evidence because we are not allowed phones.. This is the main reason why so many people wish to work in the health and social care but are afraid because of the bullying and how students are treated. So many people have the potential to work in the science depth but people are afraid because of this

[@kc-qs8qg]

I also was at the Marsden - very bad bullying abuse...

[@roosworld4910]

Incompetent management is the root cause. If management ensure all staff are trained well and treated fairly with empathy, the patients would get the timely and effective care that they need. Too many people who don't deserve to be managers get the job.

[@Esther-yu1sv]

true

[@riverdonoghue9992]

Its not just the NHS. Its widespread in health and social care. I worked in a hospice and things got so bad it almost had to close. All the senior management got sacked. Bullying was rife and good staff who raised safeguarding alerts and complained about bullying were hounded out by senior management. One of the main issues I think is career driven power mad narcissists who are only interested in Power, money and climbing the corporate ladder.

[@Joejoejoe734]

I am one of the IMG doctors at NHS. Ward female Consultant gave me feedback letter that “CONSIDER TO GO BACK TO YOUR COUNTRY IF YOU CANNOT PASS YOUR EXAM” when I have started working in NHS system. Imagine how toxic NHS environment is!

[@gdewyg]

How can this continue to happen in watchful eye of authorities?

[@catalinacurio]

Because it highlights theirs and hospital managements failure.

[@riverdonoghue9992]

Because they're part of the problem. It happens in all care settings

[@rosyapplekitchen635]

Because the ones at the top are best friends with the authorities and will destroy anyone who threatens their six figure salaries

[@Foxy_ladyYTSL]

All the above are true

[@LunaLei]

My introvert friend (Person A) is somewhat a victim of bullying... A rumor started by an extrovert staff (Person B) in the same ward shared a story to a senior staff member (Person C). It was a she said - "she said" thing., a.k.a. Person B told Person C that Person A said something about Person C. Without confirming if person A did say something ill about her, person C believed B and started to find fault in person A's work and personal life. Person A noticed the treatment and when the ward manager told person A that person C will be supervising her assessment, A asked the manager if she can have someone else to supervise her instead. She explained about how she was not comfortable with person C, and hell broke loose from thereon forth because manager and C were close friends personally. Even the manager started to think ill of A thereafter. I can only listen to her misery and wish her luck. Her best course of action is to move to a different trust....

[@cdean2789]

Never trust a Trust

[@everyone_pays_their_price8425]

Many nurses, especially senior have way too much power and abuse their “ authority “ They need to be examined thoroughly and strictly

[@tea-chip-cookies]

It's like you need to know fight talk before they can start something with you. Or be just as passive and mean back to them.

[@jenlin6715]

It seems Mr brotherton is a bit of a bully himself , his sugar coated words after saying there were issues shows how clearly they don’t care and are just doing lip service his face when confronted about the lie about the Dr leaving said a lot.

[@journeywithjasmin4089]

This happens in teaching too! I always dreamt of been a teacher since I was a child, I finally became a teacher aged 32 by 37 I walked out after been severely bullied & punished over a year long targeted attack of bullying & intimidation 😢

[@ILoveHendrix]

I was bullied on a postgraduate course for teaching. It was awful. I had to go for counselling. I suffered with severe panic attacks, depression and PTSD after it.

[@journeywithjasmin4089]

@@ILoveHendrix I’m so sorry to hear this! Staffroom gangs & the intimidation is the worst as a new teacher especially if you are doing a better job than the older teachers of the school! Yes I suffered severe depression and was in counselling for a year after! Then I became self employed and was able to semi retire aged 42. Anyway I could barely survive on teachers pay my cupboards were always empty! Are you still in teaching? What are you doing now? Are you okay now? I’m okay I’m happy but I do miss been in the classroom. I was Birmingham based.

[@ILoveHendrix]

@@journeywithjasmin4089 I am very sorry to hear about what you went through. I am fine now but it took time. I gave up on teaching. I work in Audiology now. I wish you all the best 😘

[@journeywithjasmin4089]

@@ILoveHendrix oh wow you gave up too how sad but at the end of our stories we are happy now well I do hope your happy! And I wish you every success for your future x we deserve happiness in every area of our lives ☺️🙏🏽❤️

[@tea-chip-cookies]

Omg I thought teaching environment wasn't as bad?! My friends left nursing to pursue teaching

[@lunaskye621]

I watched a news night documentary a few months back discussing the issues with raising investigations. Due to the nature of the NHS, after the investigation is completed, no changes are actually made so the situation isn't resolved. This is a true problem and it does make me fear going to a hospital in case anything happens.

[@JasRaymond1]

How was these leaders allowed to keep their jobs ? Also I'm going to bet nothing changes as it seems to be some type of protection for the upper management.

[@petekhan638]

This has been going on for years seen it with my own eyes patients/nurses are treated like shit

[@SteveTurnerCareRightNow]

The problems described are widespread across health and social care. The current law (Public Interest Disclosure Act) makes the situation worse. PIDA fails patients, and fails genuine whistleblowers by framing whistleblowing as an employment issue. That's why I support the Protection For Whistleblowing Bill, which is going through at the moment. We need oversight and support for everyone, every initiative and every organisation involved in making care safer through listening and acting on concerns.