Sexual Misconduct in Surgery

14 September 2023

The Federation of Surgical Specialty Associations (FSSA) represents the ten GMC recognised surgical specialties.

The Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery (WPSMS) report Breaking the Silence: Addressing sexual misconduct in healthcare was published on 12 September 2023 and shared this week with the FSSA.

The FSSA recognises and supports the statements issued in response to this survey by many of the professional organisations with whom we work.  In particular we want to support our trainees (Association of Surgeons in Training ASiT), who issued the statement, “we condemn any form of sexual misconduct or harassment and normalisation of such behaviours which has no place in society, the workplace or in healthcare”. 

There is an urgent need for change to address the cultures which allow these behaviours to exist within our profession.  The FSSA, on behalf of all the Surgical Specialty Associations, is committed to creating a working environment which is safe and inclusive for all and facilitates team working that optimises patient care.   

Sexual misconduct, in any form, should not be tolerated.  Those who are affected should feel confident to raise these issues and be reassured that appropriate action will be taken.

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