Leading medical professionals in England have urged the establishment of an anonymous reporting system to address sexual misconduct within healthcare settings. The call comes amid concerns that many healthcare workers remain hesitant to report inappropriate behavior due to fears of retaliation.

The Royal College of Surgeons of England highlighted the issue, emphasizing the need for a safe and confidential whistleblowing mechanism. According to data from the General Medical Council (GMC), there was a 25% increase in fitness-to-practise concerns last year, reaching a total of 13,465. Of these cases, 679 were investigated, resulting in 160 medical tribunals.

More than 90% of these tribunal cases involved allegations related to misconduct — including dishonesty and sexual misconduct — criminal convictions, or a combination of both. Tim Lane, president of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, underscored the gravity of the problem, noting that sexual misconduct has accounted for over 40% of GMC appeals since 2016.

Lane stated, “Sexual misconduct has no place in healthcare,” and reiterated the organization’s appeal to the Department of Health and Social Care to implement an independent, anonymous reporting platform specifically for NHS staff. The proposed system seeks to encourage greater transparency and protect victims and whistleblowers from potential professional or personal consequences.