Staff in Cork hospital claim culture of bullying within department 

A survey seen by the Irish Examiner also found a belief that some consultants 'can do what they want with no repercussions'

Last week senior management from CUH addressed personnel in the department pledging that there would be a shift away from the culture cited in the report. File photo: Larry Cummins

Staff at one of the country’s largest hospitals have raised concerns about a bullying culture, pressure being applied to complete work of a substandard nature, and a belief that some consultants within the department “can do what they want with no repercussions”.

The workers at Cork University Hospital's pathology department have also complained about the amount of private work being done by the consultants, according to a survey seen by the Irish Examiner which points to a high level of dysfunction.

The cultural survey of the department was commissioned last year following a series of complaints, some of which were made anonymously, about conditions there. 

There are approximately 100 staff in the department, including consultants, scientists, non-consultant doctors, and administrative staff.

The survey by Gravity Consultants was completed last July and was highly critical of some practices. However, the Irish Examiner understands there has been very little change since, and last week senior management from CUH addressed personnel in the department pledging that there would be a shift away from the culture cited in the report.

Among the findings of the survey were:

• Concerns over the imbalance between public and private work. This narrative is expressed in the report several times, with claims it is impacting general workloads and stress levels significantly.
• Some people indicated that they felt pushed into signing off competencies for tasks or taking risks despite highlighting their lack of comfort
• A feeling that some people “get away” with poor performance and others are pulled up for small infractions.
• “Strong commentary” in responses that some consultants “can do what they want with no repercussions”.
• The communication style of some within the department is aggressive and shouting happens regularly.
• People are stretched and this is not sustainable with staff reaching a burn-out stage. Phrases such as ‘sinking ship’ have highlighted this.

In response to a series of questions, CUH issued a statement confirming that the cultural survey had taken place. “In 2023 as part of a planned initiative to enhance our attraction and retention strategy across CUH it was agreed to pilot a cultural survey,” it said. 

The statement did not refer to negative aspects of the culture in the department that had been highlighted by staff.

“As recently as last week, a new mission, vision, and values have been agreed with the staff, and strategic objectives for the next 12-36 months are being developed,” the statement read.