CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has expressed his “deep alarm” at a rise in bullying cases in NHS Lothian.
Figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives through Freedom of Information Requests show that there has been a near 50% increase in the number of bullying cases in the NHS over the last five years.
In NHS Lothian the number of bullying cases rose from 33 in 2017-18 to 44 in 2021-22, a rise of 33%.
Mr Hoy says there is never a justification for bullying and intimidation in the workplace and that anyone who experiences it can see their mental health suffer further after the stresses of the pandemic.
He added that workplace culture comes from the top, which ultimately means Humza Yousaf must get a grip on the increase in bullying seen in NHS Lothian.
He commented: “The rise in bullying cases within NHS Lothian is deeply alarming and completely unacceptable.
“Nobody in the health board or in any workplace should be subjected to intimidation or bullying.
“This workplace culture is ultimately set at the very top, so Humza Yousaf needs to react to these concerning figures in NHS Lothian, which are part of a wider increase across Scotland.
“We are already suffering from a shortage of frontline staff across NHS Lothian, so a rise in bullying cases is the last thing we need as we try to urgently recruit and retain staff.
“These cases will have had a damaging effect on the mental health of staff in Lothian who are already completely overwhelmed due to the pandemic.
“Bullying can never be tolerated and there must be proper, open procedures to allow people to speak out without fear of repercussions.
“Humza Yousaf must ensure that culture runs through NHS Lothian and give them all the resources they need.”
