Alarming Levels of Unwanted Sexual Behaviour Reported Among Dental Staff

UK: A recent nationwide survey has shed light on the concerning prevalence of discrimination and unwanted sexual behaviour faced by frontline NHS staff, including dentists and medical professionals, from the public. 

The survey, which polled a significant portion of NHS workers, uncovered distressing statistics indicating that almost one in five dental or medical staff have experienced unwanted sexual behaviour while on duty.

Unprecedented Levels of Discrimination

The survey revealed that one in 12 NHS staff encountered discrimination while attending to patients, marking the highest percentage since the question was first posed in 2019. 

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Additionally, for the first time, respondents were asked about experiences of sexual harassment at work, with an alarming 58,000 healthcare workers reporting incidents of unwanted sexual behaviour from the public in the past year.

Of the 675,000 NHS workers surveyed, nearly 9% reported instances of sexual harassment from patients, their relatives, or other members of the public in 2023. Shockingly, 18% of medical and dental staff in training were subjected to unwanted sexual behaviour within the NHS. Ambulance staff were particularly affected, with almost a quarter reporting incidents of sexual harassment from the public.

Addressing the Issue

Professor Vivien Lees, vice president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England), emphasized the importance of acknowledging and addressing sexual misconduct within the healthcare sector. She highlighted the need for staff members to feel empowered to report instances of misconduct without fear of reprisal and called for the implementation of appropriate reporting mechanisms and policies.

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Dr. Navina Evans, chief workforce, training, and education officer, expressed dismay at the reported levels of unwanted sexual behaviour among NHS staff. She reiterated the NHS’s commitment to combating such conduct, citing initiatives such as the sexual safety charter and the appointment of domestic abuse and sexual violence leads to review and enhance trust policies for reporting sexual harassment.

Moving Forward

While acknowledging the progress made in initiatives such as flexible working hours and clinical support for menopausal women, Dr. Evans emphasized the ongoing commitment to creating a supportive and respectful work environment for NHS staff. The survey results serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address and eliminate unwanted sexual behaviour within the healthcare sector.