The ACT's work safety watchdog has told Calvary Hospital to overhaul its protections for staff against bullying after an investigation brought on by a coronial inquiry into the suicide of an emergency department nurse.
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Hospital safeguards against bullying came under the scrutiny of WorkSafe ACT in a probe lasting several months after the coroner's office investigated the death of Andrew Earl in June 2017.
The WorkSafe inquiry findings follow a call from a senior ACT government minister to investigate bullying and harassment at Calvary Hospital, and an internal investigation into Mr Earl's suicide.
Calvary Hospital has come under pressure over its protections for staff against bullying after allegations emerged of a toxic culture for hospital employees.
WorkSafe ACT has told the hospital to reform its policies with an overhaul forcing it to improve reporting so that bullying, harassment and psychological incidents are separately identified.
All new employees would undergo full mandatory induction training before starting their new job.
The watchdog also told the hospital to update its work health and safety risk assessments to make them specific for the Calvary site.
Calvary Hospital said it welcomed WorkSafe ACT's findings and backed the watchdog's conduct during the inquiry.
Its chief executive Barb Reid said it would make the changes outlined by WorkSafe.
“The recommendations of the commissioner identify a number of systems, education programs and processes that require improvement, and doing so will be our priority," she said.
Work Safety commissioner Greg Jones said Calvary management had co-operated with the investigation and had demonstrated a commitment to improving the hospital's bullying and harassment policies.
“Already we have seen positive improvements made by Calvary management which will support a greater awareness, reporting and consistent response to issues of bullying and harassment should they arise,” he said.
“WorkSafe ACT will continue to monitor the response to the improvement notices to ensure ongoing systemic improvements at Calvary Hospital and will continue to work cooperatively with Calvary management.
“All workers, regardless of industry or workplace, can rightly expect a safe workplace, including from psychological injury.”
Calvary Hospital launched an internal investigation into Mr Earl's death, and those close to him said he faced relentless psychological bullying in the workplace. The ACT Health Services Commissioner also began investigating the circumstances following a formal complaint.
His death also prompted an investigation in the ACT Coroners Court. A decision was made in February not to hold a full hearing after initial inquiries.
The coroner was unable to find enough evidence to prove the alleged bullying was the sole cause of Mr Earl's suicide.
Bullying allegations inside the ACT's health system have drawn calls for broader investigation, and the territory's government has resisted an opposition push for a royal commission-style inquiry.
A motion was voted down in the Legislative Assembly by the government and the Greens as Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris dismissed the proposed inquiry as a political stunt.
Following initial reports of bullying at Calvary, Ms Fitzharris called for an investigation into workplace practices at the hospital.
Former and current staff at the hospital said those who raised concerns about bullying would often have the investigation turn on themselves, as false allegations of improper workplace conduct were made up about them as part of a smear campaign.
The ACT branch of the Australian Medical Association in April also called for an investigation into the hospital.
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