A call for help - RTE Prime Time

Back to news  

The Irish Society of Paramedicine (ISP) is deeply concerned by the serious allegations of sexual harassment, misogyny, bullying, and inappropriate behaviour within the National Ambulance Service (NAS). We unequivocally condemn sexual harassment, misogyny, discrimination and bullying in any form. The problematic behaviours described in tonight’s RTE Prime Time broadcast persist because they are tolerated. The ISP asks that our members call out inappropriate behaviour whenever they witness it.

Every person working within the NAS has the right to go to work in an environment where they are safe, respected, and treated with dignity. We particularly acknowledge the courage of those who have come forward to speak about their experiences. Nobody raising a legitimate concern should ever fear that doing so will damage their career, reputation, or standing within the organisation.

The individual allegations reported must, of course, be properly and fairly investigated through the appropriate processes. However, the scale and consistency of the concerns now being raised mean that this can no longer be viewed simply as a collection of individual incidents. There are serious questions regarding organisational culture, governance, accountability, and leadership within the NAS. The ISP therefore welcomes the establishment of an independently chaired process examining workplace culture within NAS. However, we believe its work must go further than examining the behaviour of individual members of staff.

The HSE must commission a genuinely independent review of the governance and senior management of the NAS, including the effectiveness of existing systems for reporting, escalating and responding to serious concerns. That review must examine whether senior leadership had sufficient awareness of problems within the organisation, how concerns brought to management were handled, whether appropriate action was taken, and whether the present leadership structures retain the confidence necessary to deliver meaningful cultural change.

The ISP has previously expressed profound concerns regarding leadership within NAS and conducted a vote of no confidence in the Director of the NAS and the senior leadership team. That position, which was not arrived at lightly, reflected a much wider breakdown in confidence between frontline personnel and senior leadership. The allegations and information now entering the public domain make the need for independent scrutiny of that leadership even more urgent.

It is extremely important that the current controversy does not unfairly define the thousands of people who work within the NAS. The overwhelming majority of EMTs, Paramedics, Advanced Paramedics, control personnel, support staff and managers within NAS are dedicated professionals who work tirelessly for their patients, their colleagues and the communities they serve. Equally, there are many managers throughout the NAS who work extremely hard to support their staff, advocate for their teams and foster positive, respectful workplaces. These managers should be recognised for the leadership and support they provide every day. Their professionalism and commitment should not be overshadowed by the behaviours alleged in these reports or by the wider concerns surrounding organisational culture and senior leadership.

It is precisely because we value the NAS and the people working within it that these issues cannot be allowed to continue. An organisation cannot rebuild trust simply by commissioning another report. There must be accountability and transparency. Where leadership has lost the confidence of the workforce or failed to provide the culture and governance expected of a modern healthcare organisation, there must be change.

The ISP is calling on the HSE and the Minister for Health to ensure that the current process results in meaningful, measurable, and transparent action, and that its findings are published. As part of that process, there must also be an independent assessment of whether the current senior leadership of the NAS remains capable of commanding the confidence of its workforce and delivering the cultural change now required. The people who work within the NAS and the public they serve deserve nothing less.

Tonight’s RTE Prime Time programme may have been difficult or distressing for some viewers. For some, issues discussed, or experiences described, in the programme may bring back memories of sexual violence, abuse, domestic violence, childhood experiences, trauma, or other difficult events. Some may simply find what they have heard upsetting.

The ISP would like to remind colleagues, their families, and members of the wider community that confidential and specialist support is available.

National 24-Hour Rape Crisis Helpline — 1800 77 8888

Free and confidential support, day or night, for anyone affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment or sexual abuse — whether recent or something that happened many years ago. Support is also available for family members and friends.

Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs)

Free specialist medical, emotional and forensic care is available 24 hours a day throughout Ireland following rape or sexual assault. SATUs support people of all genders and gender identities aged 14 and over. Details of your nearest unit are available through the HSE.

One in Four — 01 662 4070

Specialist support for adults who experienced sexual abuse during childhood, as well as support for families and those affected by a disclosure.

CARI — 0818 924 567

Specialist support and information where a child or adolescent has been affected by, or there are concerns regarding, child sexual abuse or sexually harmful behaviour. Support is also available to parents, carers and professionals.

Women’s Aid — 1800 341 900

24-hour confidential support for women experiencing domestic abuse, coercive control or relationship abuse.

Men’s Aid — 01 554 3811

Confidential specialist support for men experiencing domestic violence, coercive control or abuse.

Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006

Confidential information and support for anyone affected by crime, including victims, family members, friends and colleagues, with referral to appropriate specialist services where required.

Childline — 1800 66 66 66

Free confidential support for children and young people, available 24 hours a day. Online chat is also available through Childline.

Samaritans — 116 123

Free emotional support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for anyone who is struggling or needs someone to talk to.

Pieta — 1800 247 247

Text HELP to 51444

24-hour crisis support for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm.

Text About It — text HELLO to 50808

Free, anonymous text-based emotional support, available day or night.

HSE Employee Assistance Programme — 0818 327 327

Confidential support for HSE employees, available 24 hours a day.

If you or somebody else is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical assistance, call 112 or 999.

There is no single way that people respond to difficult experiences, and support can be sought whether something happened recently or many years ago. Please look out for yourself, your colleagues, and the public. 

Irish Society of Paramedicine

Advocating for staff. Supporting patient care. Strengthening the profession.