ACT government, AMA call for investigation into Calvary Hospital

The calls come following an investigation by The Sunday Canberra Times  that revealed allegations of a toxic culture for hospital employees, with bullying rampant across multiple departments.

Both former and current staff at the hospital said those who raised concerns about bullying would often have the investigation turn on themselves, with false allegations of improper workplace conduct made up about them as part of a smear campaign.

The ACT branch of the Australian Medical Association also called for an investigation into the hospital this week.

Ms Fitzharris said she had spoken to the chief executive of Little Company of Mary - the company that operates Calvary Hospital - Martin Bowles to make sure the hospital would look into the allegations.

"I have asked Mr Bowles to provide assurance that there are appropriate processes in place at Calvary to report workplace cultural issues, and that Calvary is investigating and responding to the concerns raised in the media, particularly in relation to allegations of workplace bullying and complaints investigation procedures," she said.

"I echo the call from the AMA for these matters to be investigated."

Ms Fitzharris said ACT Health would not tolerate bullying and harassment within Canberra's hospitals.

"I am committed to ensuring ACT Health and our public health services have a respectful, supportive and inclusive approach that values all its employees," she said.

AMA ACT president Steve Robson said he was concerned by the allegations about Calvary Hospital's workplace culture.

"The AMA ACT strongly supports a healthy workplace culture and calls for a thorough investigation of the allegations of bullying, harassment and poor workplace culture," he said.

"They must be investigated fully and transparently."

Hospital sources have told The Sunday Canberra Times that bullying within the hospital comes from fellow employees as well as those in managerial positions.

The AMA president said patient safety was at risk when hospital staff were working in a poor environment.

"Patient care should be the most important priority for health services and there is unequivocal evidence that patient care is compromised when hospital workplace culture is poor," Professor Robson said.

"The public need to have confidence in the health services where they are cared for."

A Calvary Hospital spokesman said WorkSafe ACT was investigating bullying and harassment allegations.

"When that is complete, we will engage with stakeholders to address the findings or recommendations," he said.

"That process will include many stakeholders involved in the delivery of public health and hospital services in the ACT, including employee and contractor representative organisations and other interest groups."

The spokesman said Calvary Hospital had been in contact with Ms Fitzharris following her calls for an investigation.

"Calvary has responded to the minister and reiterated that we share her desire for a positive workplace culture that provides all employees and contractors with a safe, respectful and productive setting for them to enjoy their work, individually and collegailly," he said.

"We have not had any formal contact from the AMA, but as they represent a significant clinical cohort, we welcome their interest and contribution."

The AMA ACT's chief executive Peter Sommerville said more needs to be done to create a positive workplace culture at Calvary.

"Calvary has to take care of this themselves," he said.

"I've been heartened to see the statement [on bullying from Calvary] but it really needs to be taken to the next level and come to the party on this."

ACT Opposition Leader Alistair Coe said the Canberra Liberals would also welcome an investigation into the alleged bullying.

"Accounts of bullying and intimidation at Calvary Hospital should not go unanswered," he said.

"Victims of bullying need safe and respectful pathways to bring their situation to light."