Senior staff told to improve behaviour after bullying and racism findings

A trust has called for “tangible improvements” in behaviour from some of its senior clinicians, after an external review reported bullying, harassment, and racism.

East Sussex Healthcare Trust commissioned an external review earlier this year following concerns being raised.

The full review has not been released, but a summary found that women, non-consultant doctors, and staff from ethnic minorities reported harm.

Some staff reported “shouting and abuse” of non-white medical consultants in meetings, and that trainees were “manipulated and coerced” to raise complaints about staff with minority ethnic backgrounds. The findings were first reported by the BBC.

In a statement to HSJ on Monday, chief medical officer Simon Merritt said he expected “tangible improvements in psychological safety, fairness, and leadership behaviours”.

“Bullying, harassment, racism, sexism or any other form of discrimination has no place in our trust. Our values of kindness, inclusivity, and integrity are not optional,” he said.

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Source: HSJ, 18 August 2026