A turning point for transparency? (20 February 2024)

Summary

This article by the Patient Experience Library summarises the findings of an independent review of services at University Hospitals Sussex Trust by the Royal College of Surgeons. The article highlights that it is a positive sign to see the Trust publishing a sensitive report publicly, noting that in the past other trusts have suppressed reviews of this kind.

The review highlighted some concerning findings, including:

• A high volume of complaints from patients and delays in responding.
• Consultant surgeons being dismissive and disrespectful towards other members of staff and displaying hierarchical behaviours towards allied healthcare professionals, particularly junior members of staff.
• Reports of two trainees being physically assaulted by a consultant surgeon in theatre during surgery.
• A culture of fear amongst staff when it came to the executive leadership team, with instances of confrontational meetings where consultant surgeons were told to 'sit down, shut up and listen'.