NHS Manager Accused Of 'Bullying Staff'

A Doctor who signed a letter sent to the Independent opposing the proposed NHS reforms is set to face disciplinary action.

The news has moved some to claim a ‘top-down bullying policy’ designed to silence critics. The senior health professional, who has yet to be named, has been called to face the chief executive of his trust to explain his decision to sign the letter.

NHS managers have been accused of heavy-handed tactics towards staff critical of the reforms after the Independent received a letter, signed by 23 clinicians, saying that the proposed bill would, “cause more harm than good". One of the signatories then received a letter from an NHS trust director stating, “It is inappropriate for individuals to raise personal concerns about the government reforms… You are therefore required to attend a meeting with the chief executive for the actions you have recently taken."

Shadow Health Secretary, Andrew Burnham, raised the case in the Commons and said. “The truth about your mismanagement of the NHS is coming out – staff bullied into silence and professionals frozen out." Health Secretary Andrew Lansley claimed to not know about the letter and accused Mr Burnham of resorting to abuse.

The NHS reforms Bill has been ‘paused’ since last year and Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, claims his party has made significant changes since then, with the final hurdle surrounding how NHS competition should be established. This aspect will be debated by the Lords next Wednesday with most of the Bill expected to clear the Lords by March 9.

(H/GK)