Ambulance Service CEO Admits Bullying Persists

Neill Moloney, chief executive of the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS), has confirmed that staff bullying continues to be a problem within the trust. He stated that he is still receiving reports of unacceptable bullying behaviour among staff, emphasizing the organization's commitment to addressing these issues.

Moloney, who took over in September 2024, inherited a service previously removed from special measures but still grappling with a negative culture. He noted a substantial increase in sexual harassment cases over the last 12 months and a significant rise in violence and aggression directed at staff. The trust is actively addressing these concerns by removing individuals exhibiting such behaviors and is seeing a reduction in complaint numbers, which he views as a positive sign of demonstrated action.

The EEAS, which serves Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire, is also working to improve response times through fleet maintenance and better community care. Moloney acknowledged that improving staff satisfaction and rooting out cultural issues will take time but expressed determination to achieve these goals.