County calls for answers on bullying in HSE
Cork County Council will send a letter to the head of the HSE asking how the culture of bullying within the organisation has been addressed in recent years.
At Monday’s full meeting of Cork County Council, Social Democrats Cllr Liam Quaide referenced a pledge made last year by HSE CEO, Bernard Gloster, stating that tackling bullying would be made “a top priority” by the organisation.
Mr Gloster’s pledge had followed a Newstalk's ‘Lunchtime Live’ programme in May 2023 which addressed an alleged culture within the HSE of protecting people accused of bullying.
Cllr Quaide, a senior clinical psychologist, said that any HSE employee who submits a complaint about bullying is, according to the HSE’s own grievance policy, expected to have a hearing scheduled within seven working days.
However, Mr Quaide suggested that it is “well known” that employees are typically left languishing for months and, in some cases, can be left with no response to their grievance submission even with “persistent follow-ups from them and their union representative”.
He said: “In the meantime, the employee may have to continue working with the person who has been bullying them, and very often that person is in a position of power in their service.
“For many, the stress involved in pursing an issue over months or even years is too much and they discontinue the process,” he added.
Responding this month to a letter sent to the HSE in September 2023 by Cork County Council on the issue of bullying, a spokesperson for the organisation wrote: “The HSE recognises that the creation of a work environment where public health service employees feel valued, recognised, and safe, and can work in an atmosphere of respect and collaboration, is central to the delivery of the highest possible quality health and social care services.”
They added: “The Dignity at Work Policy aims to provide a safe working environment for all employees in the public health service which recognises their right to be treated with dignity and respect and which is free from all forms of bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment.”
However, Cllr Quaide pointed out that the response from the HSE only refers to Dignity at Work cases.
He continued: “There are many more insidious versions of bullying that fall under the HSE's Grievance policy.
“I know that when TDs have previously sought figures on waiting-times for Grievance hearings for employees they have been told that this information is not maintained by HR departments.”
Cllr Quaide asked that Cork County Council would write back to the HSE seeking assurances that waiting-times for HSE staff awaiting Grievance hearings as opposed to Dignity at Work hearings are maintained, as well as asking how the culture of bullying has been addressed.
The Cork Independent reached out to the HSE for a response but none was received by the time of going to print.