Surgeons comment on BMA's report into sexism and sexual violence towards medical students in the UK

Commenting on the BMA’s report into sexism and sexual violence towards medical students in the UK, Ms Laura Hamilton, Council Member at the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England), said: 

“The scale of the problem clearly demands collective action and UK medical schools must urgently sign and adhere to the NHS Sexual Safety in Healthcare Charter. This is a vital step in embedding a zero-tolerance approach to sexual misconduct and fostering safer, more respectful learning environments for future healthcare professionals. 

“Sexual misconduct has no place in healthcare. We must ensure that every workplace adopts a zero-tolerance approach, and those who come forward are fully supported and protected.

“We urgently call on the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to establish a national, independent, and anonymous reporting mechanism. This system must be trauma-informed and impartial, enabling all staff working in the NHS to report sexual misconduct without fear of retaliation or bias.”

ENDS 

Notes to editors:

1. Only five medical schools have signed the NHS Sexual Safety in Healthcare Charter.  

2. Since the publication of The Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery’s (WPSMS) report Breaking the Silence: Addressing Sexual Misconduct in Healthcare and the in-depth study published by the British Journal of Surgery, we have redoubled our efforts to stamp out sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. You can read more about the work RCS England is doing on sexual misconduct here: Sexual misconduct in surgery 

3. Our role as a Royal College is rooted in education, awareness and standard setting. We are also committed to developing and signposting impactful, targeted resources and training on being an active bystander, with specific reference to incidents of sexual misconduct.

4. The Royal College of Surgeons of England provides world-class education, assessment, and development to 30,000 surgeons, dental professionals, and members of the wider surgical and dental care teams, at all stages of their careers. Our vision is to see excellent surgical care for everyone. We do this by setting professional standards, facilitating research and championing the best outcomes for patients.  

5. For more information, please contact the RCS England press office: telephone: 020 7869 6053/6054/6060; email: pressoffice@rcseng.ac.uk; out-of-hours media enquiries: 0207 869 6056.