‘Aggressive’ ministers legitimising bullying in trusts, Letby inquiry told

Bullying, aggressive behaviour, and other forms of inappropriate pressure from ministers and the leaders of central bodies can significantly contribute to the development of an unhealthy workplace culture at local level, an expert witness has warned the inquiry into Lucy Letby’s crimes.

THIS Institute director Mary Dixon-Woods has been instructed by the Thirlwall inquiry to report on NHS cultural issues.

She said in evidence on Thursday: “The outer context more broadly, from ministerial level down, is highly impactful for culture and behaviour in NHS organisations.

“Pressures and behaviours (including bullying or aggressive behaviour) from those at the centre may be implicated in poor cultures at the level of NHS provider organisations.

“As well as being an unpleasant experience for those on the receiving end, they will tend to indicate that these are legitimate ways to behave that can be reproduced within organisations themselves.”

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Source: HSJ, 27 September 2024