Helpline set up for health workers

NHS Highland has set up a temporary confidential helpline in response to the claims of bullying within the organisation.

Dawne Bloodworth, director of human resources (interim), said: "This is for staff who are experiencing any difficulties within the workforce in relation to any aspect of bullying. This will provide a further opportunity for any concerns to be raised."

The helpline opened on Wednesday in the authority's human resources department.

Meanwhile the board is seeking a meeting with the four doctors who have raised concerns.

David Alston, chairman of NHS Highland, said: "It is two weeks since we first offered to meet to understand details of the concerns raised by the four clinicians. Given they raised issues about patient safety through the media, this is concerning to us.

"Initially the clinicians delayed any such meeting until a meeting with professional representatives of the BMA had occurred. That was on Tuesday [October 2] and our information indicates that they remain unprepared to meet until they have met with NHS Scotland officials."

He added: "Clearly we want to support any member of staff working for us who has concerns about bullying in whatever form. I hope the helpline is a welcome and positive step to support this. I reiterate our position that we also respect the right of any staff member to raise any concerns in the way they feel most appropriate for them."

Dr Iain Kennedy, one of the whistle-blowing clinicians, said the first time all four of the writers of the open letter were invited to a meeting with NHS Highland was last Friday, and not two weeks ago.