‘Growing cultural tension’ could turn hospital’s staff against leaders

A hospital has uncovered concerns about “toxic behaviours” and racism, and been warned that “growing cultural tension” could turn “staff against each other or against leadership”.

The review was ordered by Medway Foundation Trust after it identified concerns about culture and potential racism and bias. Staff at Medway Maritime Hospital also reported increasing violence and aggression from patients and relatives.

The resulting report – by a company called Absolute Diversity – details concerns around bullying, toxic behaviour and discrimination. It also found some signs of hope, however, with a sense of pride among staff and a commitment to patient care.

It called on the trust to make it safe to speak up, review staff experience of employee relations processes, and increase leadership accountability and clarity with “clear expectations for leadership behaviours”.

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Source: HSJ, 5 September 2025