A large-scale survey carried out among nurses and midwives suggests that about 6 per cent are being bullied on a daily basis.
The study findings indicate that the level of perceived bullying involving nurses and midwives has worsened significantly since a previous study undertaken in 2010.
The new study found that almost 6 per cent of respondents reported that they were bullied on a near daily basis and that the percentage of non-union members who experienced this bullying was almost double that of union members.
It also found that over the past 4 years there had been a 13.4 per cent increase in perceived incidences of bullying.
The survey suggested that Government cutbacks were a probable explanation for the significant rise in reported bullying between 2010 and 2014.
About 2,400 nurses and midwives took part in the survey, which was undertaken by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), in partnership with NUI Galway and the National College of Ireland.
‘Very disturbing’
Prof Maura Sheehan of NUI Galway, who headed the study, said: "The finding that almost 6 per cent of respondents perceive to be bullied on an almost daily basis is very disturbing.
“The personal consequences in terms of health, well-being and family relationships of people who experience workplace bullying are extremely serious.
“Almost all organisations have a formal anti-bullying policy in place. Clearly there is a significant gap between the presence and implementation of such policies.
“There needs to be a fundamental culture change in hospitals and care facilities - a zero tolerance policy for any bullying must be implemented. This must apply to all employees, no matter how senior, specialised and experienced.”
INMO director of industrial relations Phil Ni Sheaghdha said the results set out in the survey did not come as a surprise, as they confirmed some of the information which had been reported to the organisation by members.
“[Members] believe the problem has been accelerated due to the effects the cutbacks in healthcare have had in the workplace . . . hospitals are constantly overcrowded and staffing levels have reduced.
“Employers need to be proactive now and become aware of trends and intervene early to ensure policies are fit for purpose and managers are trained to intervene early and appropriately.”
