Unison meet in Brighton to discuss new report into sexual harassment of NHS staff
A study's found sexual harassment of staff in the NHS is widespread
NHS staff including ambulance workers, porters, nurses and cleaners have been shown pornographic images, offered money for sex, and assaulted at work, according to new research.
The report, published by the Unison union, coincides with the first day of its annual health conference in Brighton.
The union say it is shocked by the findings of a wide-ranging survey which revealed widespread incidents of sexual harassment.
The study of more than 12,200 health workers showed that one in 10 reported unwanted incidents including being touched or kissed, demands for sex in return for favours, and derogatory comments.
Sexual assault was reported by 29% of respondents who had experienced harassment, while half said they have been leered at or been the target of suggestive gestures.
One in four of those who had been harassed said they have suffered unwelcome sexual advances, propositions or demands for sexual favours.
Crude "banter" or "jokes" were the most common issue, reported by three in five workers who had experienced some form of harassment, according to the research.
Despite the serious and even criminal nature of some of the incidents, half the staff had not reported sexual harassment to their employer, mainly through fear of being considered "over-sensitive" or a feeling that their employer would not act on their complaint.
Incidents included a 111 adviser, herself a survivor of sexual abuse, who described being regularly harassed on the phone by anonymous callers. The only response from her managers was to be told it is just part of the job, said Unison.
"No-one should ever have to endure such despicable behaviour"
The union's general secretary, Christina McAnea, said: "No-one should ever have to endure such despicable behaviour, and certainly not in their place of work.
"But NHS staff often put up with this appalling abuse, not reporting it because they don't believe they'll be taken seriously.
"More must be done to protect nurses, healthcare assistants, cleaners and other NHS staff from sexual harassment, reassure them their complaints will be fully investigated, and action taken against the perpetrators.
"Employers must take swift action when workers flag up incidents, regardless of whether the sexual harassment has come from a patient or a colleague. Otherwise, this completely unacceptable behaviour will simply continue."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: "Sexual violence or misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and NHS organisations have a responsibility to protect both staff and patients.
"We have a zero tolerance approach and will continue to work with the NHS to ensure that they are taking measures to stop sexual assaults from happening, and to ensure staff feel comfortable raising concerns.
"We encourage any member of staff who have faced these issues to report it within the NHS, and to the police."