The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) acknowledges the Surviving in Scrubs report on sexual violence and misconduct, extending respect to survivors who shared their experiences. While distressing, we see this report as a vital step toward eradicating such behaviours in healthcare and society.
College President Professor Rowan Parks said:
When the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery report was released last month I was deeply saddened. This latest report detailing widespread sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, sexual assault and even rape across the NHS leaves me further shocked and appalled.
In response to the Women and Equalities Select Committee’s discussion of the Working Party’s report a few weeks ago, I wrote to the Chair, Rt. Hon. Caroline Nokes MP, emphasising our support for the evidence they received and reiterating the College’s support for an independent body to investigate complaints of sexual misconduct.
We're acutely aware of our role in fostering cultural change. The incidents reported to Surviving in Scrubs are not isolated; they are preceded by inappropriate behaviours that must be halted. It is imperative for all workforces to develop a culture that demonstrates the unacceptability of such actions at their earliest stages.
This cultural shift must also address institutionalised sexism identified in this report, ensuring the expertise of our female colleagues is recognised and rewarded on par with that of our male colleagues.
While this report is a difficult read, it is a valuable document for driving change. As a College, with a history of addressing behavioural standards through campaigns like 'Let’s Remove It' and courses like NOTSS (Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons), we acknowledge the need to redouble our commitment to a safer, more inclusive workforce.
View the report here: Surviving Healthcare Report – Surviving in Scrubs
- RCSEd was first incorporated as the Barber Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1505 and is based in Edinburgh and Birmingham.
- It is one of the oldest surgical corporations in the world with a global membership of more than 32,000, including 15,000 members in the UK.
- The College also has a significant worldwide presence with members in over 140 countries.
- The College promotes the highest standards of surgical and dental practice through education, training and examinations, its liaison with external medical bodies and representation of the modern surgical and dental workforce.
- The College has six faculties: The Faculty of Dental Surgery, The Faculty of Surgical Trainers, The Faculty of Dental Trainers, The Faculty of Perioperative Care, The Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care and The Faculty of Remote, Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare.
- It is also home to the UK’s only Faculty of Surgical Trainers, open to all those with an interest in surgical training regardless of College affiliation.
- Find RCSEd at www.rcsed.ac.uk, on X (formerly known as Twitter), on Facebook, and Instagram.
For further information, please contact comms@rcsed.ac.uk.