MSP calls for Holyrood debate on NHS Highland bullying report
A north MSP has secured cross-party support for a members’ business debate in light of the publication of John Sturrock QC’s report into allegations of bullying at NHS Highland.
MSPs from the Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Labour Party and the Scottish Liberal Democrats have backed Tory Edward Mountain’s call for a debate.
The motion, which is being considered for members’ business, stated: “That the Parliament, in light of John Sturrock QC’s report into allegations of bullying and harassment at NHS Highland commends the courage of all those who have spoken out in this regard and also those who do so throughout NHS Scotland, and notes calls on the Scottish Government to protect and support all those who speak out against bullying and harassment and to ensure that the whistle-blowing process is robust and easily accessible.”
Mr Mountain voiced his frustration, prior to publication of the 174-page report, that there would be limited time to consider the findings prior to health secretary Jeane Freeman's ministerial statement on the subject to Scottish Parliament last Thursday.
Mr Mountain said: “John Sturrock QC has written a thorough and detailed report which demands serious consideration and that takes time.
"However, MSPs were not afforded sufficient time as the Scottish Government only released the report an hour before the cabinet secretary was due to make a statement.
"We have a duty to those who gave evidence to the inquiry to explore and debate the findings in greater detail.
"We also need time to scrutinise whether the measures announced by the Scottish Government are robust enough so that the bullying and harassment that has taken place in NHS Highland never happens again.
"That is why it is necessary to hold this debate and I am pleased my motion has won cross-party support.”
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- Scottish Government targets 'strengthening NHS workplace culture' following NHS Highland bullying review
