Fear and bullying in the healthcare workplace

JOAN KINGSLEY, an organisational psychotherapist, discusses the impact of a culture of fear and bullying, which has been highlighted by some high profile reports in recent years.

A  number of hospitals have been put into special measures, since 2009; some of the reasons cited have included serious staff shortages – raising concerns over the risk to patient safety. What is not mentioned is that the well being of healthcare workers is also being put at risk. Staff shortages mean nerves are frayed, tempers are short, and delivering care to a high standard is challenging. Patients feel compromised, anxious, and overlooked; they look to healthcare workers for solutions. 

As a consequence, healthcare workers are experiencing unacceptable levels of mental and physical stress. Additionally, actual and anticipated budgets cuts mean some healthcare workers believe their jobs to be at risk. The healthcare workplace culture is increasingly becoming a culture of fear.