North Nottinghamshire NHS stands together to tackle violence, aggression, bullying and harassment towards colleagues

Posted Monday, November 16, 2020 9:37 AM

North Nottinghamshire NHS stands together to tackle violence, aggression, bullying and harassment towards colleagues

In a bid to tackle violence and aggression, bullying and harassment against NHS colleagues, North Nottinghamshire NHS organisations are taking a stand by launching an anti-violence and anti-bullying campaign during National Anti-Bullying week (16 – 20 November).

The campaign includes posters, social media posts and case studies from NHS staff who have unfortunately experienced violence and aggression whilst doing their jobs, with the aim of making people think about their actions towards NHS colleagues who are here to help and not be harmed.

Director of Culture and Improvement at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, Emma Challans, said: “This is a really important issue for us to address. Colleagues should never feel threatened or vulnerable whilst they are at work and we are hoping that this campaign will make people think about their actions and about being kind and respectful towards our colleagues, especially during such a vital time in the NHS.

“Our colleagues are always here to help and not be harmed physically or verbally in any way whilst they are at work. We are therefore standing together as an organisation against violence, aggression, bullying and harassment during anti-bullying week by encouraging people to think about their actions and attitudes towards our colleagues. We understand that there can be difficult and stressful times in NHS settings, especially when hearing difficult news, but everyone should be treated with respect, understanding and dignity."

Patient Experience Officer, Mitchel Speed, who is featured in the campaign said: “I have experienced violence and aggression whilst doing my job, it always puts us in a vulnerable position when we experience these challenges. I think people need to realise that we are just trying to do our jobs and to help as much as we possibly can.

“The impact of bullying and harassment can make a real impact on someone’s life and really affect them, we are all human and need to be kind to each other and talk to each other in the same way we would talk to our family and friends, with respect and kindness. I would urge people to think about the way they act towards all NHS colleagues.”

Dr Stephen Shortt, Joint Clinical Leader at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG, added: “Doctors, nurses and all health care staff are doing everything they can to support patients and families at a particularly challenging time for the NHS. It is really important that staff across all healthcare settings are treated fairly and respected at work. The CCG is standing together with all health and care organisations on this important issue to support the anti-violence and anti-bullying campaign and urge all patients to work with us so we can help to support them.”

National Anti-Bullying Week runs from 16 – 20 November, please stand together and help our NHS colleagues to continue to help people and not be harmed whilst doing their jobs.

Organisations involved in the campaign include; Sherwood Forest Hospitals, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG and the Mid-Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Partnership.

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