The HSE said acknowledges and regrets the serious concerns raised by staff working in the National Ambulance Service (NAS) after 30 female staff alleged they experienced sexual harassment and misogyny from male colleagues.
The claims were made by the women to RTÉ’s Prime Time, citing a “command and control culture”.
In response the HSE said that “all staff have the right to feel safe, respected and valued at work. While significant efforts have been made in recent years to improve the culture of NAS, staff feedback continues to highlight concerns relating to bullying, discrimination, harassment, and levels of trust within the organisation. These behaviours can significantly impact individuals and teams and have no place in our organisation.”
The HSE added: “A priority for the HSE is to ensure the dignity, wellbeing and safety of employees and service users and the HSE takes allegations of bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment very seriously. Every member of staff deserves to work in an environment characterised by dignity, respect and professionalism and we must support the continued development of a modern, high-performing, and patient-centred ambulance service.”
The statement added that “we must speak up when something is wrong, support colleagues who may be affected, and help foster a culture where inappropriate behaviour is never accepted. The organisation is committed to listening, providing support, ensuring fairness, and taking strong action where inappropriate behaviour is found to have occurred, so that every member of staff can feel confident, supported and respected in their workplace.”
The HSE said that “to help us further address the issues and concerns raised, we began work late last year, to establish a dedicated culture initiative”.
It said the initiative is independently chaired by Maureen O’Brien, a retired Irish Major General and supported by a programme board.
“The aim of this work is to create a workplace in NAS where people feel respected, safe and heard, while also building stronger trust between staff and management supported by positive engagement with trade union partners,” the HSE said.
“The focus is on strengthening accountability, embedding the right behaviours at every level, and putting in place the structures and supports needed to drive lasting positive change across NAS. This initiative will build on existing insights and staff feedback and provide all NAS staff with the opportunity to share their perspectives. During the initial six-month period, staff will have the opportunity to engage directly in multiple ways. Particular emphasis will be placed on ensuring everyone in NAS has a voice and that feedback is handled independently and confidentially.
“The findings from this process will be used to develop practical recommendations and a clear plan for further improvement. The intention is not simply to identify problems, but to take meaningful action that leads to lasting improvements in how people work together and how staff experience working in the National Ambulance Service.”
In relation to its response to the complaints raised by women, the HSE said: “Where a formal investigation does proceed, all parties are afforded fair process and the opportunity to raise any concerns regarding the conduct of the investigation.
“More broadly, the HSE has proceeded to strengthen the overall HR function within National Services and Schemes (NSS) and NAS with the recent recruitment of an Assistant National Director, People & Culture and a newly appointed Director of People and Culture in NAS.”