Senior doctors welcome anti-bullying initiative

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate use

29 May 2017

Senior doctors welcome anti-bullying initiative

The senior doctors’ union is welcoming news of an agreement between Auckland District Health Board and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) to tackle bullying and other unprofessional behaviour.

“This is a step in the right direction in addressing a very important issue of workplace safety which also has implications for patient wellbeing,” says Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS).

He was commenting on news that Auckland DHB and RACS have signed a memorandum of understanding to address discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment in surgery and the health sector (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/health/news/article.cfm?c_id=204&objectid=11863867).

ASMS has previously produced guidance for members on bullying (https://www.asms.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ASMS-Standpoint-Bullying.pdf) and has also taken part in sector discussions on the matter.

“It’s about respectful behaviour in hospitals – between doctors and other health professionals, and with patients,” says Mr Powell. “If we can get the culture right in our hospitals, then that will improve the way they function as well as making them better places to work in.”

ENDS

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