Sexual misconduct within the NHS has been labelled as “unacceptable” and “will not be tolerated” by a health chief following reports from tens of thousands of staff who have experienced unwanted sexual behaviour. NHS England has highlighted that sexual misconduct is prevalent throughout the health service and has pledged to take further action to safeguard staff from unwanted advances. Even minimal actions like staring at someone in a “sexual way” will be addressed, according to officials.
In the 2023-24 NHS Staff Survey, approximately 58,000 NHS workers in England disclosed that they had encountered unwanted sexual behaviour while at work. This behaviour ranges from offensive sexualised conversations, inappropriate jokes, touching, to assault. While most incidents were attributed to patients, their relatives, or the public, around 3.84% of NHS staff reported experiencing unwanted behaviour from colleagues or other staff members. Ambulance workers were identified as the most frequent targets of unwanted sexual behaviour, followed by nurses and healthcare assistants.
Amanda Pritchard, the Chief Executive of NHS England, emphasised the distress and isolation that individuals face when subjected to sexual abuse or misconduct at work. She advocated for a safe environment where staff feel empowered to speak out and receive the necessary support. Pritchard underscored that any form of sexual misconduct or abuse is intolerable within the NHS, as it contradicts the compassionate care ethos of the healthcare service.
To address the issue, the NHS has introduced a new policy enabling staff to anonymously report incidents of sexual misconduct. The guidance provided to local health organisations aims to assist in recognising, reporting, and responding to such behaviours effectively. The policy encompasses a wide range of actions classified as sexual misconduct in the workplace, including sexual comments, jokes, unwanted physical contact, showing sexual material, intrusive personal inquiries into one’s sex life, and even sexual assault or rape.
In response to the prevalence of sexual harassment revealed in the staff survey, Steve Russell, NHS England’s Chief Delivery Officer, highlighted the necessity of a national approach to address the issue consistently across the healthcare system. The Royal College of Surgeons of England President, Mr. Tim Mitchell, commended the leadership of NHS England in combatting sexual misconduct and stressed the importance of fostering a reporting culture where victims and witnesses feel supported and secure.
The NHS is committed to providing pastoral support to staff who have experienced sexual abuse, offering reasonable adjustments and special leave if needed. By introducing the option of anonymous reporting, the NHS aims to encourage more staff to come forward with their concerns, demonstrating a firm commitment to eradicating such behaviour. The decisive stance taken by NHS England underscores the organisation’s dedication to maintaining a safe and respectful work environment for all its staff members.