Reacting to news that NHS employers in England will for the first time be held formally accountable for improving workplace behaviours and staff satisfaction, Professor Clare McNaught, President of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh said:
"It is a sad fact that a recurring theme of NHS staff surveys is the unacceptably high levels of violence, racism and misogyny our healthcare professionals have to face."
"This is clearly unacceptable. Whether it derives from patients or other NHS staff, everyone working in the NHS should be treated with respect and dignity at all times. It is why our College has a zero tolerance to bullying, undermining, racism and misogyny and are actively seeking to redress these through our #letsremoveit resources."
"So, I am delighted to endorse today's launch of NHS England's first-ever Staff Standards to tackle these issues and promote better health and wellbeing."
"Measuring and publishing how hospitals are improving their performance and having NHS employers being formally accountable for how they treat their workforce are much needed. This is particularly important given the unambiguous evidence that shows that patients outcomes are improved when staff feel safe and supported."
"Given the difficulties the NHS has in recruiting and retaining key staff, we also hope that these Staff Standards will help reduce sickness absence, improve productivity, and ultimately deliver better outcomes for patients."
"We therefore look forward to monitoring how the NHS Staff Standards are implemented over the coming months."