Eastbourne MP Calls for Trust-Wide Investigation into NHS Bullying and Harassment

Following an investigation into allegations of bullying, harassment and discrimination within East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trusts (ESHT) General Surgery Department, Liberal Democrat MP Josh Babarinde has called on the Trust’s Chief Executive (Jayne Black) to expand the investigation across the entire Trust.

The recent review examined concerns about the treatment and experiences of staff within the department over the previous 12 months.

Following news of the review, several current and former members of staff contacted the Eastbourne MP to raise their own concerns about their experiences within the Trust.

Mr Babarinde has now written to the Trust’s Chief Executive calling for the investigation to be expanded and for staff to be given a safe and confidential way to come forward.

In his letter to the Chief Executive, Mr Babarinde set out three clear asks:

• Broaden the scope of the investigation to ensure concerns are not limited to one department.
• Establish a confidential process for current and former staff to come forward and share their experiences.
• Clarify the support and protections available to staff who raise concerns.

In a statement, Mr Babarinde said:

“There must be zero tolerance for bullying, harassment and discrimination within our NHS, or indeed in any workplace.

Every member of staff, whether serving or former, should be able to raise concerns safely, without fear of reprisal, and have confidence that those concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon.

That is why I have asked East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust to urgently expand its review across the Trust.”