The largest survey of its kind reveals alarming levels of sexual misconduct and harassment within the National Health Service (NHS), particularly among female surgeons. Published in the British Journal of Surgery, the study indicates that nearly one-third of female NHS surgeons have experienced sexual assault by a colleague over the past five years, prompting concerns about the unchecked culture of misogyny within the profession.
The survey, conducted by researchers from Exeter University and the University of Surrey, involved 1,434 anonymous online responses from surgeons. Shockingly, two-thirds of female surgeons reported being sexually harassed by a colleague in or around the operating theatre. The survey even identified 11 instances of rape among the respondents.
These findings shed light on the hierarchical structures and lack of accountability within the NHS. The report highlights that sexual coercion is a significant concern, with 11% of female surgeons having experienced "forced physical contact linked to career opportunities." Tamzin Cuming, a consultant surgeon and chair of the Women in Surgery forum at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, has described this as a "MeToo moment" for surgery and called for a "seismic change in the culture of healthcare."
The survey was commissioned by the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery, with support from the Royal College of Surgeons, Health Education England, and the Association of Surgeons in Training. It has been presented to NHS England, the General Medical Council (GMC), and the British Medical Association. The report emphasizes that the deeply hierarchical structure and gender and power imbalances contribute to the frequent occurrence of sexual misconduct.
Most female surgeons have no hope for justice
Both women and men in the surgical profession have witnessed some form of sexual misconduct at work over the past five years. Among female respondents, over 40% received uninvited comments about their bodies, 29% experienced unwanted physical advances, and 38% endured sexual banter at work. Shockingly, most female surgeons expressed little or no faith in their NHS trust, the GMC, or the Royal Colleges to protect them from such misconduct.
The Royal College of Surgeons of England has acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and called for a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment and assault in operating theatres and the wider NHS. The GMC has updated its professional standards to reflect a "zero tolerance" policy toward sexual misconduct, stating that it is incompatible with professional registration.
The Department for Health and Social Care has also expressed a commitment to eradicating sexual misconduct within the NHS and has launched an organizational sexual safety charter to ensure a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate behaviours in the workplace.
The survey results underscore the pressing need for systemic changes to address the culture of sexual misconduct and harassment within the NHS and, specifically, the surgical profession. The healthcare system must prioritize the safety and well-being of its staff and patients by implementing comprehensive reforms and strict enforcement of anti-harassment policies.
Speaking to The Times UK, Roshana Mehdian-Staffell, a trainee trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, described a “boys’ club mentality”. One male doctor suggested to her that full-time surgery was “not an appropriate career choice” for mothers. “I’ve been sexually harassed lots of times,” she said. “I’ve had people come into the sluice room [where waste is disposed of] and stand behind me and grind themselves on me. There was one time when someone walked in and said, ‘You’ve got your short trousers on — make sure you always wear them because your ankles are really sexy’.”
Dr Binta Sultan, from NHS England, told the BBC the report made “incredibly difficult reading” and action was needed to make hospitals safe for all.
She said: “We are already taking significant steps to do this, including through commitments to provide more support and clear reporting mechanisms to those who have suffered harassment or inappropriate behaviour.”
Retired doctor faces criticism after calling victims ‘snowflake’
Dr Peter Hilton, a retired anaesthetist, has faced criticism for his comments on workplace sexual harassment. In a letter to The Times, he referred to a "snowflake generation" of young doctors who, he suggested, should toughen up in response to such harassment. This comes in the wake of a new study that revealed female NHS surgeons reporting sexual harassment, assault, and rape, particularly involving trainees and senior male surgeons.
In response to Dr Hilton's letter, leading members of the Royal College of Anaesthetists expressed their disgust at his suggestion that such behaviour should be accepted. They emphasised the importance of not tolerating sexual misconduct in any workplace and called for compassion, justice, and a commitment to zero tolerance.
Dr Hilton's remarks have drawn attention to the issue of sexual harassment in the medical profession and have highlighted the need to eradicate such attitudes and behaviours. Swansea Bay University Health Board confirmed that Dr. Hilton no longer works for the organization and emphasised its commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and mutually respectful work environment, where bullying and harassment are not tolerated.
