Almost a third of female NHS surgeons have been sexually assaulted by a colleague in the last five years, according to a survey.
- 90% of women and 80% of men reported witnessing sexual harassment at work.
Almost a third of female NHS surgeons have allegedly been sexually assaulted by a colleague in the last five years, according to a survey.
The study was the largest of its kind ever conducted in the surgical profession and was commissioned by the independent Task Force on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery, The Times reported.
There were 11 cases of rape reported by surgeons who participated in the anonymous online survey that had 1,436 responses.
Ninety percent of women and 81 percent of men who participated reported witnessing inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.
More than 40 percent of women reported receiving “unwelcome comments” about their body from colleagues, 29 percent reported experiencing unwanted physical advances, and 38 percent said they endured sexual jokes at work.
The research also stated that sexual coercion is a “major concern” within the industry, with 11 per cent of female surgeons claiming to have experienced “forced physical contact related to career opportunities”.
Almost a third of female NHS surgeons have allegedly been sexually assaulted by a colleague in the last five years, according to a survey.
The study was the largest of its kind ever conducted in the surgical profession and was commissioned by the independent Working Group on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery. Ninety percent of women and 81 percent of men who participated reported witnessing inappropriate sexual conduct in the workplace (file photo)
“Sexual misconduct occurs frequently and appears uncontrolled in the surgical environment due to a combination of a deeply hierarchical structure and an imbalance of gender and power,” the report states, according to the newspaper.
It also maintains that an “overwhelming majority” of female surgeons do not believe their trust in the NHS, GMC or Royal Colleges will protect them.
Additionally, the document warns that the “apparent normalization of sexual behavior” in the industry compromises patient safety.
The researchers argued that perpetrators who attack colleagues are “more likely to transgress sexual boundaries with patients,” the Times reported.
The report also warns that this could create an “unsafe work environment” and an “unsafe space” for patients.
One of the report’s authors has called for reform in the way sexual misconduct is reported and investigated, saying it is vital the industry adopts a “zero tolerance approach”.
The Department of Health and Social Care told the Times that secretary Steve Barclay is “clear that sexual violence or misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and has no place in the NHS.”
The agency says Barclay is “working closely” with NHS leaders to “root out this unacceptable behavior and ensure services are always safe for staff and patients”.
The statement adds: “The signatories commit to adopting and enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to any unwanted, inappropriate and/or harmful sexual behavior within the workplace.”
Dr Binta Sultan, chair of NHS England’s National Clinical Network for Sexual Assault and Abuse Services, said: “No one should experience sexual abuse or assault in the workplace, but sadly we know that inequality and sexual behavior inappropriate behavior exist and are disproportionately experienced by our female colleagues around the world. the National Health Service.
‘While this report is incredibly difficult to read, it presents clear evidence why we must take more action to address these issues.
“We are committed to working with our partners to ensure that healthcare environments are safe for all staff and patients, and we are already taking important steps to achieve this, including providing more support to those who have experienced harassment or inappropriate behavior thanks to a first sexual safety letter of this type.’
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘The Health and Social Care Secretary is clear that sexual violence or misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and has no place in the NHS. He is working closely with NHS leaders to root out this unacceptable behavior and ensure services are always safe for staff and patients.
‘In partnership with the Royal Colleges, staff, regulators and unions, the NHS recently launched the health system’s first organizational sexual safety charter. The signatories commit to adopt and enforce a zero-tolerance approach to any unwanted, inappropriate and/or harmful sexual behavior in the workplace.’
