Sexual harassment of NHS staff widespread - survey

The Royal College of Nursing said the survey paints "an incredibly disturbing picture"

NHS staff including ambulance workers, porters, nurses and cleaners have been shown pornographic images, offered money for sex, and assaulted at work, according to new research.

The widespread incidents of sexual harassment are revealed in a wide-ranging survey published by the Unison union on the first day of its annual health conference in Brighton.

In the study of more than 12,200 health workers, one in 10 reported unwanted incidents including being touched or kissed, demands for sex in return for favours, and derogatory comments.

Royal College of Nursing chief nurse Professor Nicola Ranger said: “These figures paint an incredibly disturbing picture."

In the survey, sexual assault was reported by 29% of respondents who had experienced harassment, while half said they have been leered at or been the target of suggestive gestures.

One in four who had been harassed said they have suffered unwelcome sexual advances, propositions or demands for sexual favours.

Crude “banter” or “jokes” were the most common issue, reported by three in five workers who had experienced some form of harassment, according to the research.

Half the staff had not reported sexual harassment to their employer, amid concerns of being considered “over-sensitive” or feeling complaints would not be acted on.

'Zero tolerance'

The Department of Health and Social Care said such behaviour was "unacceptable" and encouraged staff to report it.

A department spokesman said NHS organisations had a responsibility to protect both staff and patients.

He said the department had "a zero tolerance approach" and would continue to work with the NHS to ensure measures were being taken to stop such behaviour, and make sure staff felt comfortable raising concerns.

“We encourage any member of staff who have faced these issues to report it within the NHS, and to the police,” he said.

Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said: “No-one should ever have to endure such despicable behaviour, and certainly not in their place of work."

Prof Ranger said: "Nursing staff should be able to come to work and expect the NHS to be a safe place – and not face the risk of assault, harassment, or abuse."

Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive at NHS Providers, described the findings as "deeply concerning".

He said: “Trust leaders are working incredibly hard to ensure every NHS employee is rightly treated with dignity and respect."