Sexual Misconduct in Surgery
Wednesday 16 November 2022
A group of surgeons and clinicians are undertaking a comprehensive study of the UK and Irish surgical workforce in association with the University of Exeter, to better understand experiences, insights, and perspectives on sexual misconduct in surgery, which we would like to draw our members attention to.
This survey aims to better understand individuals’ experiences working in the healthcare profession. This includes the experiences of doctors, surgeons, dentists, nurses, medical students, dental students, nursing students and other allied healthcare professionals. The group aim to use the results in an effective way to ensure safe and healthy working environments and it is supported by NHS England’s safeguarding team and the Royal College of Surgeons of England, among others.
"Our overriding concern in sharing this survey is our member’s safety and wellbeing."
Our overriding concern in sharing this survey is our member’s safety and wellbeing. The sensitive nature of the topic means that some members may choose not to participate, however, there are multiple sources of support available for those that choose to, including a 24 hour confidential support and advice service provided by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. This service is open to anyone completing the survey. Our website wellbeing pages also include a wide range of services to support you.
We have not been involved in the design of the survey, but we have agreed to share it with our members because we believe it’s important for the experiences of anaesthetists to be represented, alongside those of other healthcare professionals working in operating theatres. The survey is completely anonymous, and you are specifically asked not to provide any identifying information.
Findings from the survey will be published by the Working Party and shared with stakeholders – including NHS employers, the GMC and the BMA – to inform us all how to bring about change, such as strengthening support for victims and improving routes for reporting incidents. Ultimately, the aim is to ensure surgery is a safer place to work for all members of the surgical team.
More details about the survey and a link to where you can complete it can be found here. Thank you for taking part in this important work.