NHS Highland extends deadline for its Healing Process to deal with historic bullying allegations
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The deadline to register for NHS Highland's Healing Process has been extended to March 31.
The Healing Process is an independent service developed by NHS Highland in partnership with whistleblowers, colleagues and other stakeholders, with Scottish Government funding, to help individuals who have suffered from historical bullying and harassment while working for the health board in Highland and Argyll and Bute.
NHS Highland says that extensive promotion has been carried out in the period since the process opened for applications on May 27, 2020 and more than 250 people have already signed up.
However, after MSP Edward Mountain raised concerns that some individuals were yet to register, NHS Highland has agreed to extend the application process from February 26 to midnight on March 31.
Pam Dudek, NHS Highland chief executive, said: “We are listening and responding to concerns that those affected by historical bullying in NHS Highland may not have formally registered for the Healing Process yet, so we are prepared to leave registration open for a further month.
“It is our priority that all those affected have the chance to engage with the Healing Process. I understand that it is incredibly important for people who have been harmed to have the opportunity to tell their personal stories and seek support.
“I would like to reaffirm that we are deeply sorry for the harm that has been caused to every one of those individuals and we encourage current or former members of staff to register by the new deadline.”
Individuals who have suffered from historical bullying or harassment while working for the NHS in Highland or Argyll and Bute up to and including December 31, 2019 and who wish to engage with Healing Process must formally register by the extended deadline of March 31.
To register or to find out more about the Healing Process visit www.healing-process.co.uk, email healingprocess@cmpsolutions.com or call 03333 445892.
