03 5662 2294 www.thestar.com.au w ww.thestar.com..au u Tuesday, November 5, 2019
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HOSPITAL PROBE Investigator called in over bullying allegations
STAFF members at Leongatha Hospital are facing al- announced in May and The Star understands it remains ongoing. A whistleblower said things would get worse before they got legations of bullying, harassment and discrimination, better. as an independent investigator examines the health“The investigations have placed a huge strain on staff and mocare service’s toxic work culture. rale is very low, with the result being ongoing resignations from While the recent two day closure of the hospital’s maternity ward was cause for concern, insiders say problems at Gippsland Southern Health Service (GSHS) run much deeper than an inability to attract and keep staff. The Star has received a copy of a memorandum sent by GSHS boss Mark Johnson, confirming the secretive investigation was
GSHS staff,� they said. “Now this may well be put down to natural attrition, however the tactic by some managers of encouraging staff to make formal complaints against their colleagues has had its toll and has forced good nurses and midwives to resign.� SEE THE STORY ON PAGE 5.
A climate of bullying, harassment and discrimination is an unhealthy culture...� - Mark Johnson, GSHS
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