The survey also produced concerning results far worse than comparable data for NSW, with 35 per cent of respondents saying they had been bullied over the past 12 months, and 12 per cent of staff indicating they had been subjected to physical harm, sexual harassment or abuse at work.

Of the staff subjected to physical harm or abuse, the source of the abuse was more likely to be a colleague than a member of the public or a patient.

The culture within the division is the most toxic, dysfunctional and prehistoric that I have ever worked in

Submission

The independent review was announced by Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris in September after a string of scandals and mounting pressure for change.

The review, which did not investigate specific claims, was a step down from the royal-commission-type inquiry called for by the Australian Medical Association.

Chaired by former Queensland Health director-general Mick Reid, the review made 20 recommendations, and called for changes to be overseen by a committee which would include the minister, ACT Health employees, the Australian Medical Association and unions.

The report found the overwhelming majority of submissions were negative and came from staff, consumers, non-government organisations and unions.

“The information gathered from submissions, individual and group interviews and the staff survey reveal a worrying and pervasive poor culture across the ACT public health system,” the report said.

“There are pockets of high performance where staff are proud of the quality of their work and were keen to demonstrate it to the reviewers.

“By contrast, there were areas where a very poor culture had persisted over many years, and where bullying and other poor performance had not been addressed."

The report found significant scepticism among staff that the review would lead to change and the recommendations would be implemented, noting previous reviews had been forgotten.

There is ZERO consequence for the bully or even at the least feedback about how their behaviour may be contributing.

Submission

“Talking to my ex-colleagues, I have asked a number of them if they wish to make a submission to the review," a submission read.

"They all replied 'no' as they believe that nothing will come of it.

"I want the review team to prove them wrong, just this one time so we can improve the health of all Canberra residents.”

A nurse's submission, partially published in the report, said there was endless emotional abuse and manipulation that had forced many staff members to seek work elsewhere.

She said the culture at ACT Health was the worst she had seen in all her years working in the public health system in Australia and overseas.

“When I think about the culture within ACT Health and what I have experienced in my time here, I feel shocked and disgusted," the submission said.

"The culture within the division is the most toxic, dysfunctional and prehistoric that I have ever worked in.

"In the [xx] years I have worked, I feel that I have been a target for bullying from managers and colleagues. As a result, in 2019 I will be looking to leave the public health system.”

Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris has agreed to all the recommendations in principle, noting it is an interim report.

The workplace culture within the [redacted] is the worst by far that I have seen.

Submission

“The report clearly shows that people want to see change, and were keen to be involved in this review," she said.

"Through this level of engagement, we are in a much better place to understand the issues and respond appropriately, so thank you for putting your faith in this process.

“The report released today provides difficult reading, and I’m sorry that there are people who work within our health services who have experienced bullying, intimidation and harassment.

"This is not acceptable and we will need to work together to stamp it out.”

More to come.