NHS Confederation responds to survey showing sexual harassment in the NHS

Responding to a UNISON survey showing sexual harassment in the NHS Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: 

“The behaviours that some NHS staff have been forced to endure are unacceptable. No one should face sexual assault or harassment at work and stamping this out is a top priority for health leaders.

“NHS leaders and their teams are working hard to ensure all staff are treated with the dignity and respect they are entitled to. But this survey shows that more work needs to be done, with the proportion of staff facing harassment or sexual assault much too high.

“The NHS launched its first sexual safety charter last year and we would encourage all organisations to sign up. Signatories to this charter have committed to enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to any unwanted, inappropriate or harmful sexual behaviours within the workplace.

“But commitment must be backed up by action, so we would urge staff to report these behaviours so organisations can take steps to root it out and address it.”