The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons is vowing to stamp out discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying within its ranks as the Victorian government launches its own investigation into allegations that whistleblowers are being punished.
In response to claims that sexism and intimidation are rife in Australian hospitals and that surgeons who complain to authorities are being persecuted, the college that trains surgeons and maintains their standards has written to all health ministers to see how it can work with them to repair the culture.
“RACS believes that much still needs to be done to ensure all trainees and fellows feel safe and supported within their work and educational environment. Hospitals and by association, the ministers of health as employers, must be engaged to drive the cultural change,” said president Michael Grigg in a statement.
Professor Grigg also told ABC 774 radio on Thursday morning that he plans to set up an external committee to examine the college’s processes, but did not specify the scope of its task.
The move came as Health Minister Jill Hennessy announced she would ask the Auditor-General to extend the scope of an investigation into occupational violence against health workers to include bullying and harassment.
She said she would ask the Auditor-General to examine the extent of bullying and harassment in Victoria’s hospitals and the state of current complaint processes, and to recommend ways in which the system could be improved.
“I am very concerned by reports that incidents of bullying or harassment may be unreported for fear of reprisal,” Ms Hennessy said.
“Everyone is entitled to perform their jobs in a safe and professional environment, and it is vital that staff feel supported to make complaints about more senior staff.”
The report on occupational violence is due to be tabled in May and will focus largely on violence against healthcare workers from patients and visitors.
Ms Hennessy flagged that a separate audit could also be set up to look at the issue if it could not be included in the occupational violence investigation.
“I will write to the Victorian Auditor-General requesting that he look at these and associated issues in the course of this audit if appropriate, or separately, including the nature and extent of bullying and harassment and other workplace-related complaints within Victoria’s public hospitals, and the strengths and weakness of current complaints mechanisms,” she said.
Speaking to 3AW on Thursday, Premier Daniel Andrews said bullying and sexual harassment among surgeons was “not on”.
“I will not tolerate this in any workplace, least of all those places that are supposed to be about the care and support of the most vulnerable,” he said.
The action follows neurosurgeon Caroline Tan’s call for an inquiry into the way people like her have been treated for reporting sexual harassment and assault.
More to come