Question reference: S5W-28233
- Asked by: Gail Ross, MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 3 April 2020
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Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Jeane Freeman on 6 April 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether NHS Highland has approved details of its Healing Process in response to John Sturrock QC’s recommendations, and if so, when will this commence.
Answer
I am very pleased to advise that NHS Highland has now agreed the details of its Healing Process. This has been developed and agreed collaboratively in consultation with representatives of the whistleblowers who first brought this to my attention as well as trade union representatives.
It is recognised that given the current Covid 19 situation it would not be appropriate to launch the process at this time. I do, however, very much welcome that the details of the process itself have been agreed. This means that those affected by the previous culture in the Board may access this Healing Process as soon as practically possible, and the Board have committed to reviewing commencement of the process at the end of May.
The Board is encouraging anyone impacted by bullying and harassment to visit a holding page on an independent website to help them decide whether or not they may wish to access the Healing Process. This includes NHS Highland staff, who have worked or are currently working in Argyll and Bute. I would also encourage staff to do this.
This website will go live shortly and can be accessed at www.healing-process.co.uk
I would like to again take this opportunity to thank the whistleblowers for bringing their concerns to my attention; and for working proactively with the Board to agree on how this may be addressed to allow staff to move forward.