TASC, The Ambulance Staff Charity is urging those staff employed by South East Coast Ambulance Service to contact it if they need help or support in the wake of leaked reports claiming workplace bullying.

An article in this week’s (Feb 14) Daily Telegraph says the leaked reports indicated an “endemic culture of bullying” at the ambulance trust. The newspaper also claimed the reports described a “culture of fear” at SECAMB with employees subjected to repeated abuse and harassment.

TASC said it was not aware of any specific allegations relating to SECAMB but that it was saddened to hear of the claims made in the Daily Telegraph.

Roy Norris, Chairman of TASC, said:

“While we are unable to comment on the particular claims made in the Telegraph newspaper we have, unfortunately, been made aware of bullying and harassment occurring to ambulance staff throughout the UK.

“TASC is confident that staff employed by South East Coast Ambulance, whether in contact centres or working on the front line, do an amazing job under sometimes very difficult circumstances. As a result, we are dismayed to hear of any such difficulties that may be happening at SECAMB, and are also extremely conscious of the negative impact that such publicity may have on all ambulance staff as well as the general public.

“We would therefore like to urge any member of staff at SECAMB who wishes to talk to someone independently and in confidence to get in touch with us to see if they need any support.”

TASC provides a range of services to existing and former ambulance staff in need, including early intervention physical rehabilitation, specialist Post Traumatic Stress Disorder support services, debt and welfare advice, and essential financial grants.

The charity is also responding to the increased demand for its services by working with a specialist trauma management and workplace counselling company to provide immediate therapy as well as longer term support for families.

For more information about The Ambulance Staff Charity, please visit www.theasc.org.uk or call 0800 1032 999.

Photo courtesy of WMAS

 

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