Latest news with #toxicworkculture
Irish Times
4 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
Revelations show appalling personal behaviour among some CHI medics
With the very future of Children's Health Ireland up for discussion in Government, further revelations about a toxic work culture operating in part of one of its hospitals will bolster the case of those who believe the organisation should simply be subsumed into the Health Service Executive . Even among those who favour its continuation as an independent entity, there are serious doubts as to whether CHI, which is responsible for the governance and operation of the three paediatric hospitals in Dublin – Temple Street , Crumlin and Tallaght – is fit for the job of running the new national children's hospital. Waves of scandal and controversy have overwhelmed the organisation in recent months. A recent report found that most hip surgeries carried out on children were unnecessary . Prior to that, it emerged that devices not cleared for surgical use were inserted into children suffering from scoliosis – the management of which has been another long-running controversy. READ MORE Its chairman and four board members have resigned. The revelations today have been quietly circulating in senior health and political circles in recent days, where they have shocked even the most hardened veterans of scandals in the health services. They paint a picture of an almost unbelievably toxic culture that was operating in a part of one of the CHI hospitals – to the extent that 'numerous participants' who took part in the confidential survey process 'expressed concern for the emotional and physical wellbeing of colleagues working in the service'. [ Report reveals 'toxic culture' among consultants at CHI hospital Opens in new window ] Repeatedly, throughout the report, the conclusions of the observers and the testimony of the employees who participated in its inquiries show that a culture of extreme toxicity characterised the operations of part of the CHI hospital. While one consultant – who is not identified by name in the report – features prominently, there are also complaints about other consultants and a hospital management unable or unwilling to deal with the consequences of the behaviour of some senior medics. Relationships between certain senior clinical figures deteriorated to the extent that one consultant instigated a legal action for defamation against another. 'It is reasonable to assume that such a case can only arise as a result of the fraught relationships within the ... service,' the report notes. 'Fraught relationships' seems to be something of an understatement. The toll on medics who were training under some of the consultants was especially acute. They spoke of 'bullying' and 'harassment', being subjected to 'humiliating and intimidating experiences' and of an 'environment where an individual feels they may be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns or mistakes'. The report also includes details of how the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) may have been abused by the manipulation of waiting lists. Pointing to a greater number of patients seen in private time slots than at public clinic, it asks: 'Was throughput prioritised over patient care in NTPF clinics, noting there is a €200 fee per patient, or are the public outpatient clinics failing to operate at full capacity?' Yesterday, the Sunday Times reported that Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill had ordered a full audit of governance and practices at CHI. There are very clearly significant systemic failings in parts of the organisation and in the hospitals for which it is responsible. But the revelations today show something else too: appalling personal behaviour by some senior medics which damaged the care that patients in the hospitals received. Some trainees felt punished and excluded, belittled and victimised, to the extent that some felt that the experience – 'working in a hostile environment', as one said – had a detrimental effect on their lives. Aside from the personal consequences for people subjected to the behaviour of some senior colleagues, the report points out repeatedly that it creates an atmosphere that damages the care of patients. Aside from individual instances detailed in the report, the toxic relationships also poison the atmosphere where people are supposed to be working together for the benefit of the patients. 'The communication style, accusatory language and indeed unprofessional antics that continued over this period add to further compromise interpersonal relations, heighten levels of mistrust among colleagues and ultimately are a distraction from patient-centric care,' it found. 'Consistently throughout this examination, it was found that participant experiences reflected a culture in which challenging behaviour appears to be the norm,' the report found. 'It is critical that an organisation takes time to reflect on and own the culture that exists and then seeks to address the issues and bring about the required change.'
Irish Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Report reveals ‘toxic culture' among consultants at CHI hospital
A 'negative and toxic' work culture at a hospital run by Children's Health Ireland (CHI), in which multiple staff complained of 'unprofessional and disruptive behaviour from consultants', contributed to the undermining of care and treatment for sick children, an internal report has found. The CHI report also noted one consultant had taken a legal action for defamation against another. The report, which also revealed possible misuse of the National Treatment Purchase Fund , was compiled in 2021-2022 but was only given to the Department of Health last Monday. It paints an astonishing picture of the work culture in parts of one of the best-known hospitals in the country, where relations between some staff and between some staff and management had deteriorated to the point where 'challenging behaviour appears to be the norm'. READ MORE 'Numerous participants expressed concern for the emotional and physical wellbeing of colleagues working in the service,' it said. In some cases, it identified where the work culture and the interpersonal difficulties which characterised some key relationships had led to shortcomings in the case of patients. 'Dysfunctional relationships played a significant part in leading to two ... cases both of which led to surgeries evolving with complications and ultimately children having prolonged recoveries,' it said. 'Feedback from participants all describing an environment and working life that is adversely impacted by the 'negative' and 'toxic' culture that exists in the department.' [ Revelations show appalling personal behaviour among some CHI medics Opens in new window ] While the report did not identify the staff members involved by name, it laid out in detail how a small number of people were involved. 'Across multiple participants there was one consultant identified consistently as creating a psychologically unsafe environment not conducive to learning,' it said. 'Two specific examples where this consultant's behaviour and actions reportedly had a significant impact on trainee careers and/or wellbeing were staunchly brought to the attention of this examination through participant interviews.' In some cases, the behaviour led to the departure of other staff members. Three members of staff who left one department in the hospital all said they left 'for one reason only – bullying'. Staff members – including some highly skilled medical professionals who were training for senior roles – said one consultant would 'punish and exclude you, belittle you and say you were no good. I felt fearful, felt unsafe to ask [the consultant] for help.' 'There's a lot of people who have come across [the consultant's] path and it has had a detrimental impact on their lives,' said another. After giving examples of one consultant's behaviour, the report noted: 'The above reflections from very personal experiences appear to highlight a pattern of abrupt, unprofessional, intimidating and volatile behaviour. 'Behaviours displayed by this consultant appear to be consistent with and reflective of conduct that has been identified as leading to and creating a psychologically unsafe environment, that is an environment where an individual feels they may be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns or mistakes.' The effect on trainees was especially acute, the report said, quoting one member of staff who said: 'Since I started I have been experiencing a lot of bullying/harassment mainly from two consultants ... I feel that I am working in a hostile environment, waiting to be victimised. I am subjected to humiliating and intimidating experiences. They are always undervaluing my performance. 'It has reached a stage that it is affecting my self-esteem, confidence and performance at work in hospital and also at home affecting my family life. The thought of doing on call with these consultants makes me so nervous and stressful.' CHI did not respond to a request for comment yesterday.
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Young nurse exposes the dark reality very few know about Australian hospitals
A junior nurse has claimed that tall poppy syndrome is rife within the Australian healthcare system as she opened up on the 'toxic' work culture in hospitals. Saida claimed in a TikTok video on Sunday that she had been relentlessly bullied by some of her colleagues. She said she had spoken to one nurse for consolation and claimed she was told she was being targeted because she was 'doing really well'. Saida said she had taken a break for her wedding and honeymoon and that she was feeling anxious about her return to work. 'I have prepared my uniform, my meals for the rest of the week. I'm just full of anxiety because tall poppy syndrome is so prevalent in the nursing field,' she said. 'I came in bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, optimistic, wanting to learn everything that I can learn, like asking all the questions.' Saida said her attitude changed when she started experiencing bullying and that she would 'p*** myself' when she saw one of them. The young nurse added she had 'cried countless times' and that her working environment had 'got worse'. Saida claimed in a TikTok video on Sunday that she had been relentlessly bullied by some of her colleagues The nurse explained she would be berated for trivial things like taking a walk during her designated lunch breaks. She said one colleague questioned why she even took her meal break as other nurses would not regularly take them. 'I was like, you know what? I think you have a lot of pent-up energy because you're hungry. You get no sunlight and you have no movement,' the nurse said. 'I do not want to keep perpetuating this cycle of this nursing culture, that you think is like this. It's not essential to who we are or what we do.' Saida claimed her concerns had been dismissed and that she was told this is 'just how nursing is'. She explained she then saw an older nurse to ask her why this was happening. 'There was one nurse who was so lovely, and I was like, 'listen, I'm having these issues, like I don't know what this means, I don't know what I should do",' she said. 'She's like, 'No. You're just doing really well, that's the only problem'.' Saida said she had spoken to one nurse for consolation and claimed she was told she was being targeted because she was 'doing really well' (stock image) The nurse said she was upset by the notion, saying she had a nursing licence to defend and protect which she pays a hefty sum each year for. 'They're all very cliquey, nobody is nice,' the nurse said. 'I'm genuinely scared that by being in this environment for long enough that I will become a by-product of my environment and I'll become a bit of a bi*** as well. 'If you are a (graduate), if you're new in the nursing world, take your walks, take your meals, take your break. You do not have to be overworked and burned out. 'You do what you need to do, you make sure that your patients are safe, you do all your documentation, [ensure] your meds are done correctly, [but] no one's paying you to be overworked and underappreciated.' Many social media users agreed the culture in the industry was off-putting. 'I'm a student nurse and I had to stop my placement because my teacher and some registered nurses were so rude … [it] scares me even though I want this career so bad,' one wrote. 'I knew I was getting bullied during placement when a patient told me she felt bad for me with the way the nurse was talking to me and that she saw I was about to cry,' another wrote. ''Eat the young' is so deeply ingrained and culturally normalised within nursing through hierarchical bullying,' a third said. Some international viewers said the environment was similar in their countries. 'So nursing is toxic worldwide? Noted!' one wrote. One said she had found a role with a good workplace culture. 'Depends on what hospital in Australia. My current hospital is brilliant with students and new grads,' she wrote. 'I would've loved to have been a student there but agree as a general rule horrible with students and juniors.'
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Boss sparks outrage for cancelling employee's annual leave ONE day before his holiday - and that's just the beginning
An Australian worker has gone viral after his boss attempted to cancel his annual leave just hours before he was due to fly out on holiday - and well after 11pm on a Sunday night. The shocking exchange, shared with content creator and podcaster Chris Donnelly, has sparked fierce debate online about toxic work culture and the erosion of personal boundaries. In a TikTok post that quickly racked up thousands of views, Donnelly read out the jaw-dropping messages, which began with a blunt demand from the employee's manager: 'Urgent. We need to cancel your leave starting tomorrow. A major client meeting has come up and your input is essential.' Clearly blindsided, the employee responded: 'I'm sorry, what? I can't just cancel. What time is the call, maybe I can just dial in?' But that suggestion was immediately shut down. The boss replied that dialling in was not an option because it reflected poorly on the team. Despite offering a compromise, the employee remained firm, stating: 'I'm sorry, I'm not cancelling my holiday. I'll dial in if it's important, but otherwise you'll have to figure it out.' The manager persisted, writing: 'Mate. We need this. We'll compensate you for the time. You know we have to be flexible with clients.' The shocking exchange, shared with content creator and podcaster Chris Donnelly, has sparked fierce debate online about toxic work culture and the erosion of personal boundaries In response, the employee highlighted the sacrifices he'd already made, including working weekends, covering for other workers, and working late. Things quickly escalated as the boss tried to rope the employee's personal life into the negotiation. 'I'm sure your girlfriend will understand. Can you call me?' The employee, now extremely irritated, replied: 'Just asked my wife and her direct words were 'absolutely not', so I think you're wrong there.' He added, 'Genuinely I feel like I should be raising this with HR. You have messaged me on my personal number, on holiday, about working.' Rather than backing down, the boss delivered what many viewers have described as a thinly veiled threat: 'Well HR are unlikely to care, this client pays almost half their salaries.' He then proposed a delay in the holiday: 'Maybe we work out a partial attendance for the meeting - you stay a day or two behind, then you can join your family event?' That suggestion didn't go down well either. 'I'm not sure I understand the point about the client paying for HR?' the employee shot back. 'That's just not going to happen. Jon, do you really think these are appropriate messages to be sending on a Sunday night?' He added, 'What you're doing is creating an awful dynamic here. Like really awful. If we can just leave it here, then I won't take it any further, because I'd like to keep things sweet at the company.' Still unwilling to accept defeat, the boss responded: 'We'll talk about this more when you're back. I'm furious you won't help here for 60 minutes. This could have huge repercussions on your career though.' The employee calmly delivered the final word: 'And if it does, I'm documenting this conversation - so let's hope it doesn't, eh!' The manager's last message was simply, 'Enjoy your holiday.' Speaking on TikTok, Chris Donnelly didn't hold back in his reaction. 'I mean, that's so unreasonable to ask someone to come home from their holiday - to try and manipulate them and say that their career is going to be damaged. Obviously, if you're on holiday, just don't reply.' The video triggered a wave of support for the employee, and fury at the boss's unrelenting pressure - particularly given the time of night the messages were sent. 'Also the fact these messages are after 11pm on what he says is a Sunday night?!' one viewer wrote. Another commenter added: 'It's also nearly midnight these messages are being sent - I just wouldn't have answered the first one.' Some were quick to draw a line between healthy and toxic work environments. 'And that is why I have two phones. The work one stays at home,' one person noted. Others expressed disbelief that the client meeting was being treated as a life-or-death moment. 'I guarantee the client would not only be fine if he called in - but be impressed he'd do it while on holiday.' Several commenters shared suggestions for how companies can protect workers from similar treatment, with one writing: 'Put a clause into annual leave policy that if a worker is contacted while on approved and sanctioned leave - unless it is 100 per cent unavoidable - then leave restarts at day one. That would stop this!' For many, the key issue wasn't just the timing of the messages, but the tone. One user summarised it simply: 'Leadership means trust, not control. Respect personal time to inspire true loyalty.' Another added bluntly: 'Is time to change your career if this does compromise your career.' The situation has once again put the spotlight on work/life boundaries in Australia - and how many employees feel they're being expected to sacrifice their wellbeing for the sake of 'team spirit'. For some, it was just another example of the blurred lines in modern work culture. For others, it was the final straw.
