Regarding incident on Fletcher ward (use of restraint). We are taking this unusual step in writing to express our concerns regarding the treatment of the staff that were on duty on the night of November 9, 2007.
We their colleagues feel that they are being used as scapegoats for the failures of Harrow PCT's senior management who knew that there were issues with regards to staffing and training.
We also ask the question why have no senior managers been held accountable for what has happened and how is it that some have moved to more senior positions when the greater sanctions have been imposed on junior staff.
We now feel extremely vulnerable and insecure, particularly about the way these staff have been treated and feel the night staff's jobs and reputation are now under threat. Why is it that only night staff have been blamed for what has happened, yet the Harrow Observer clearly stated that restraint was used on five patients 'during the day and at night'.
We have taken this unusual step to write this letter anonymously because we are very scared of reprisals and, therefore, feel unable to sign it. This whole incident has left us feeling even more vulnerable than we felt under Harrow PCT.We also ask whether health officials have looked at the impact that the treatment of these nurses has had on the rest of the staff.
We would like to see them all returning to work where they can continue to deliver the excellent care that they have delivered over many years.
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