RCSEd acknowledges the Surviving in Scrubs report on sexual violence and misconduct
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The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) acknowledges the Surviving in Scrubs report on sexual violence and misconduct, extending respect to survivors who shared their experiences. While distressing, we see this report as a vital step toward eradicating such behaviours in healthcare and society.
College President Professor Rowan Parks said:
When the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery report was released last month I was deeply saddened. This latest report detailing widespread sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, sexual assault and even rape across the NHS leaves me further shocked and appalled.
In response to the Women and Equalities Select Committee’s discussion of the Working Party’s report a few weeks ago, I wrote to the Chair, Rt. Hon. Caroline Nokes MP, emphasising our support for the evidence they received and reiterating the College’s support for an independent body to investigate complaints of sexual misconduct.
We're acutely aware of our role in fostering cultural change. The incidents reported to Surviving in Scrubs are not isolated; they are preceded by inappropriate behaviours that must be halted. It is imperative for all workforces to develop a culture that demonstrates the unacceptability of such actions at their earliest stages.
This cultural shift must also address institutionalised sexism identified in this report, ensuring the expertise of our female colleagues is recognised and rewarded on par with that of our male colleagues.
While this report is a difficult read, it is a valuable document for driving change. As a College, with a history of addressing behavioural standards through campaigns like 'Let’s Remove It' and courses like NOTSS (Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons), we acknowledge the need to redouble our commitment to a safer, more inclusive workforce.
View the report here: Surviving Healthcare Report – Surviving in Scrubs
ENDS
About The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh was founded in 1505.It is the oldest Surgical College in the world with just over 31,000 members in 100 countries, almost half of whom are overseas, touching every stage of the career path from medical student to consultant. We are a family of Surgeons, Dental Surgeons and members of the Surgical and Dental teams who put Patient Safety at the heart of everything they do. Our high quality education and examinations ensure that standards are upheld across all specialities and in all countries.
With our interest in professional standards, the College’s primary role – and the main concern of our Fellows and Members – is to ensure the safety of our patients and provide them with the best possible care. We do this by championing the highest standards of surgical and dental practice; through our provision of courses and educational programmes, training, examinations, and Continuous Professional Development; our liaison with external medical bodies; and by influencing healthcare policy across the UK.
Find RCSEd here www.rcsed.ac.uk, on Twitter www.twitter.com/RCSEd, on Facebook www.facebook.com/rcsed and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/RCSEd/
Issued by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. For further information, please contact comms@rcsed.ac.uk
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