Kildare-Based Ambulance Service CEO Criticises HSE After NAS Workers Allege Harassment And Misogyny

It was revealed during an RTÉ Prime Time documentary that aired yesterday (10 September).

Over 30 women working in the National Ambulance Service have said they experienced alleged harassment and misogyny during their time working there.

It was revealed during an RTÉ Prime Time documentary that aired yesterday (10 September).

An unpublished internal review by the HSE from 2021 obtained by the programme also raised concerns about the culture and leadership of the service, with references to bullying and harassment.

The women who spoke out include current and former paramedics and emergency medical technicians, many speaking anonymously as they still work in the service.

Speaking on Kildare Today, CEO of Liveline Ambulance Service, which is based in Leixlip, David Hall had described the NAS as "historically male-dominated" with a "semi-militaristic culture".

"This is a handful of people, predominantly males, giving the service a bad name.

"The behaviour is reprehensible and despicable, the regulator is toothless, the Health Minister and previous Ministers, to my mind, have been asleep at the wheel and their response has been wholly inadequate."

He added that it reflects badly on the "99% of professional staff at the ambulance service".

In a scathing review of the culture at the NAS, Mr Hall remarked that "anyone with half a brain would've seen the impact this is having on the women, and that urgent action needed to be taken".

In a lengthy statement, the HSE said it regretted the serious concerns raised by staff working in the NAS and said all staff had the right to feel safe, respected and valued at work:

"While significant efforts have been made in recent years to improve the culture of NAS, staff feedback continues to highlight concerns relating to bullying, discrimination, harassment, and levels of trust within the organisation. These behaviours can significantly impact individuals and teams and have no place in our organisation."

It said work had begun on a new culture initiative aimed at addressing issues and concerns within the service.

David described the HSE's statement as "crocodile tears" and that they "failed abysmally" to address the 2021 report.

"It's crocodile tears, it annoys me to have to listen to such waffle, they're own report has identified this problem."

The full interview can be heard below: