The release of the April email sent by Little Company of Mary chief executive Martin Bowles comes as WorkSafe ACT called on Friday for an overhaul of Calvary's bullying and harassment policy after an investigation into a toxic culture at the hospital.

The email, obtained under freedom of information laws, revealed Mr Bowles did not want to launch a safe-workplace campaign within Calvary immediately after widespread bullying was claimed.

"This campaign will commence at an appropriate time to not represent a knee-jerk reaction to the current claims, many of which are inaccurate and malicious," Mr Bowles said.

It was sent in response to an email from ACT Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris in April, after the Sunday Canberra Times revealed a systemic culture of bullying and harassment at Calvary.

Ms Fitzharris wrote to the Calvary head on April 19, five days after the allegations were aired, seeking assurances the claims were being properly investigated.

The correspondence is the only time since the bullying allegations were made public that the health minister has contacted Mr Bowles.

"Given the concerning nature of the workplace bullying issues, I seek your assurance that these mechanisms are adequate, and that Calvary is investigating and responding to the concerns raised in the media, particularly in relation to allegations of workplace bullying and complaints," Ms Fitzharris said.

"The issues raised in the media are serious in nature, and I would appreciate your timely advice that Calvary is handling the matters appropriately."

Mr Bowles told the health minister anti-bullying material would be displayed in staff areas and public spaces in Calvary such as the emergency room that "reiterates every staff member's awareness of and accountability for behaviours".

Calvary's executive team was also told to increase visibility to frontline staff and to raise issues surrounding staff conduct.

Mr Bowles said Calvary had a "comprehensive" set of services and reporting methods for staff to raise issues of bullying.

"[Canberra Calvary] CEO Barbara Reid is also focussing on the issue, with an ongoing program of spontaneous interactions with staff, and the reiteration to all leaders and managers of their responsibilities around conduct."

He said Calvary was "completely engaged" in supporting the investigation by WorkSafe.

A Calvary Hospital spokesman said Mr Bowles's email labelling the bullying allegations "malicious" were not in contrast to the hospital implementing programs to deal with workplace culture and WorkSafe ACT issuing four improvement notices to improve the bullying and harassment policy.

"Mr Bowles's comments are not contradictory as they address the spectrum of reported issues and appropriately recognise the scope for continuous improvement in this area," the spokesman said.

On Friday, WorkSafe ACT slapped improvement notices on the hospital to upgrade safeguards against bullying.

The recommendations made included: a separate system for employees to report bullying incidents; mandatory induction training for new staff; staff being trained in HR practices; and an update to the hospital's work health and safety assessment.

Among the bullying allegations made by employees were that staff who lodged complaints about bullying incidents had counter complaints made against them. Male employees also told the Sunday Canberra Times false claims of improper conduct were made up about them in a bid to smear their reputation.

Staff have said much of the alleged bullying came from executive staff, with bullying cliques targeting employees to push them out and replace them with friends.

The health minister confirmed an investigation into alleged bullying at the hospital was taking place at an estimates hearing in June.

Ms Fitzharris said she received assurances from Mr Bowles investigations would take place at the hospital. The government recently voted against having an external board of inquiry look into the allegations, despite calls from the Canberra Liberals.

The Health Minister dismissed the calls as a political stunt and said the money would be better spent on health services.

Ms Fitzharris said she welcomed the findings of the WorkSafe review.

"It is my expectation that workplace health and safety is treated with the utmost importance across the entire public health system," she said.

"There is no place for bullying and harassment or any other form of inappropriate behaviour in our hospitals and health facilities."

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