Report details bullying, culture issues at Qld hospital

High levels of bullying and a fear of speaking out have been reported by mental health staff at a major Queensland hospital after a “temperature check” of workplace culture.

Details of staff sentiment and experience came to light on Thursday after the Liberal National opposition tabled an insights report into the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service.

The 2021/22 document outlines the experiences of mental health staff working in the state’s far north. 

More than 60 per cent of respondents reported experiencing workplace bullying in the previous six months, citing behaviour including verbal abuse, persistent criticism, ridicule and humiliation.

Supervisors were reported as the most likely source of bullying, and a strong mistrust and profound lack of faith in some of the leadership team was a strong theme. 

Respondents also reported being afraid to speak up for fear of retribution and the recruitment of unqualified staff. 

The health service’s Mental Health, Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Service had drawn internal criticism regarding workplace culture in 2021, the report says. 

Internal stakeholders and unions were partnered with to commission the workplace culture “temperature check”. 

The process was confidential and voluntary, and the response rate was generally below 40 per cent. 

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said the leaked document pointed to “an entrenched culture of blame” inside Queensland Health. 

“Doctors, nurses and allied health professional should be empowered and valued in their roles, not subjected to the systemic workplace bullying they have been under the Palaszczuk Labor government,” Mr Crisafulli said.

In response to questions about the report shortly after it was tabled in parliament on Thursday, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath confirmed it had been provided last month by the chief executive, who signed off on all recommendations. 

“I welcome the fact that we have (hospital and health services) doing these cultural behaviour reviews so that they can identify areas for improvement,” Ms D’Ath said. 

“I’ve made it clear as health minister that we need to improve the culture across our health system.”