Canberra Hospital senior cardiology staff stood down over bullying allegations

The action comes as part of a crackdown from Canberra Health Services into senior staff who have been accused of long-term bullying, harassment and poor behaviour.

An email seen by The Canberra Times that was sent to staff in the cardiology department revealed a law firm was engaged to investigate the allegations of misconduct.

A preliminary assessment from the investigators was described as a "hard read" in the email sent by Canberra Health Services chief executive Dave Peffer and co-signed by executive director of medicine Jacqui Taylor.

The email described behaviour of senior team members "being arrogant and acting with a sense of entitlement" and contributing to a "toxic work environment".

Some cardiology staff were immediately stood down following the assessment. The assessment has been referred to the Professional Standards Unit and team members will be given a chance to respond. But the email said this would be a "straightforward process".

"The delegate has reviewed the assessment and has referred allegations of misconduct against a number of senior team members to the Professional Standards Unit for a fast-track investigation to be undertaken, with some team members being immediately removed from the workplace while the investigation is finalised," the email said.

"A fair process with an opportunity for those individuals to respond is critical. The body of evidence already collected from a significant number of medical, nursing, allied health and admin team members should support a straightforward process - and a short turnaround for closure and appropriate action."

Temporary delays are expected to some elective and outpatient services due to the loss of staff. Some staff will be required to pick up additional tasks but work was under way to minimise the disruption, Canberra Health Services acting executive director of medical services Dr Ashwin Swaminathan said.

"I want to reassure the community of the ACT and surrounding regions that our cardiology department will continue to provide a safe and high-quality service," Dr Swaminathan said.

"Our senior and junior doctors, nursing, allied health and administrative staff will be able to provide the full suite of acute cardiology services. The team has worked tirelessly to ensure high standards of safe care for our patients, with a number of strategies to manage the current situation."

The Canberra Times understands several senior staff across multiple departments have been let go in recent months.

Canberra Health Services is undertaking similar investigations across other departments but Mr Peffer did not name these.

"Out of respect for the process and all team members involved, I won't go into detail on which teams or team members are our current focus," he said.

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Mr Peffer first put senior staff on notice last November, issuing a stern warning Canberra Health Services would part ways with staff who had exhibited consistently poor behaviour.

He made good on that warning the following month when it was revealed staff had been let go as part of a crackdown.

Culture at the Canberra Hospital has been under a microscope for the past three years after a damning review found troubling levels of mistrust and bullying within the public health system.

The ACT government embarked on wide-ranging reforms to improve the culture at the hospital.

Do you know more? Email: l.bladen@canberratimes.com.au

Mr Peffer said a recent survey of staff had indicated there had been improvements. He pointed to an 18 per cent reduction in team members who had been bullied or harassed since 2019.

But he acknowledged more needed to be done.

"Improving workplace culture is a top priority for Canberra Health Services. We know a safe workplace and positive culture is what will always underpin great patient care," Mr Peffer said.

"However, we know we still have a long way to go. The survey helped us identify areas within the workplace we need to focus on - and those teams will see action.

"I want to assure all team members at CHS that we are absolutely committed to making this a great place to work. For a workforce that's given so much, and made so many sacrifices in the last two years - we owe them a safe and supportive workplace."

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