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Highlands and Islands MSP David Stewart welcomes NHS Highland's Healing Process in response to bullying cases


By Ian Duncan

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David Stewart MSP.
David Stewart MSP.

Labour MSP David Stewart has said he was glad that NHS Highland had finally formally launched the Healing Process allowing staff, both past and present, to register their bullying and harassment cases.

The Scottish Government has announced up to £1million in funding to cover the bullying cases and Mr Stewart, who represents the Highlands and Islands, said: "I have been pursuing how people can use this process to lodge their cases following concerns from a number of constituents.

“Despite the challenges of Covid-19, this will allow the many people who have contacted me to register and to link up either virtually or by a meeting which uses social distancing.

“There are many who have lost or left their jobs, and in some cases had their careers ruined, and will be unable to go to an industrial tribunal due to a time-bar on cases and unable to afford a civil case.

“This is a long-awaited step to getting some sort of closure and perhaps compensation for many who have been badly affected by their experiences.”

In March the MSP, who is also Labour’s Shadow Public Health Minister, asked the Scottish Government how much additional funding will be given to NHS Highland for the delivery of the healing process?

In response Jeane Freeman, Scottish Health Secretary, said the funding would be made available in accordance with NHS Highland’s financial request and a maximum of £1,030,000 will be made available, up to March 31 next year, to help support the delivery of the healing process commitments.

Funding will be made available on the basis of actual expenditure in connection with the delivery of this programme of work.

Last year bullying and harassment victims were told they would have to seek compensation through the legal system after an NHS Highland board meeting.


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