Workplace bullying in the NHS

Bullying is a sensitive issue which is no longer confined to the school playground; adults are increasingly aware that workplace bullying is on the rise. Healthcare workers as well as patients are affected by bullying which can result in anxiety, dismay and powerlessness. The impact of workplace bullying on patient care is identified in this article as this is an under-researched area. The influence of the environment on workplace bullying is also considered. The NHS, like any other organisation, is characterised by circumstances that make bullying and harassment likely. Healthcare workers can minimise these and strategies are offered in this paper to make the workplace environment more positive from both an individual and an organisational perspective.