Health chiefs yesterday refused to confirm allegations that a number of senior clinical staff members have been suspended from work at a specialist Tayside hospital.
The Courier understands three employees at Perth’s Murray Royal Infirmary have been made subject to an investigation following their refusal to forcefully medicate a patient.
The news comes as the hospital, which houses patients with a wide range of mental health issues, undergoes a period of significant change.
In recent months it has found itself in the midst of bullying allegations and security breaches but new working practices and procedures are now being introduced. Issues remain, however, and concerned parties have moved to make these public, despite efforts to introduce schemes for internal whistleblowing and raising of concerns.
One source, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “Three quite senior figures at the hospital have been suspended because they refused to forcefully medicate a patient.
“Suspensions are fine if staff are putting patients at risk, but if it is just down to policy then it is a farce.”
The source added: “It is hugely important that staff can build up a rapport with patients and if things such as medication have to be administered forcefully through use of restraints then that is lost.
“We have a state-of-the-art hospital in theory, but quality of care is not so much about the building you work in as it is the people you work with. These are good people who only act in the best interests of their patients.”
The source added: “These posts will have to be covered and if they are filled from elsewhere within NHS Tayside it could mean wards being left short.”
NHS Tayside was asked to comment on the nature of the suspensions but declined to do so.
Six hours after being asked for a comment, a spokeswoman said simply: “NHS Tayside will not comment on internal matters relating to individual members of staff.”
Heather Stewart, Conservative councillor for the Perth City Centre ward, has taken a keen interest in Murray Royal and has regularly met senior management at the hospital in recent months.
She said: “There are ongoing issues at Murray Royal and senior management are working to address them. I have myself met with senior staff and I have raised some of these concerns.
“There is a new regime being put in place and there are new policies and procedures being put in place, both with regards working practices and security.
“Some of these changes may not be for the best and may have to be revisited.”
Councillor Stewart said she was due to meet again soon with senior management at the hospital.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith said: “Any concerns expressed by NHS staff must be fully investigated and any issues raised addressed.
“NHS staff must feel they can speak out about any deep-seated concerns they may have.
“As an MSP I personally lobbied for the creation of the National Confidential Alert Line for NHS employees.
“I hope that health service staff who want to report poor practices will take advantage of this.
“It is vital that we build a culture of openness within our NHS where our first class frontline staff can speak out about concerns and suggest improvements.”