Review Exposes Toxic Culture and Systemic Failures at Scotland’s Largest Health Board

Healthcare Improvement Scotland's report highlights staff-management breakdowns, overcrowding, and ambulance stacking at Glasgow and Clyde, prompting calls for urgent reforms.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland's comprehensive review found a serious breakdown in staff-management relationships at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), negatively impacting patient care and staff wellbeing.
The report identified a toxic workplace culture marked by disrespectful behaviors, poor teamwork, and bullying, contributing to significant stress and moral distress among staff.
Critical issues like overcrowding, the normalization of corridor care, and ambulance stacking in emergency departments were deemed unacceptable and harmful to patient safety.
The review outlined 30 recommendations for NHSGGC and 11 for the Scottish Government, including external mediation to rebuild trust, improving staff morale, and addressing emergency department challenges.
NHSGGC leadership has pledged to implement changes and engage staff collaboratively, while the findings have sparked broader discussions about systemic issues across NHS Scotland.