STAFF at Winchester's Royal Hampshire County Hospital are still being subjected to bullying from other employees, a recent survey has shown.

Results from a survey conducted in the Family Services Division of the Romsey Road hospital, showed a slight increase in reported incidents of verbal abuse or bullying over the past year.

Bosses of the division, which included services like maternity care, paediatric services and gynaecology, said the results were disappointing and vowed to continue the fight against bullying in the workplace.

Although more than 80 per cent of employees who took part in the survey said they enjoyed their job, 24 replied that they had been the victim of bullying or verbal abuse from a colleague over the past year. This is an increase from 23 in 2002.

Now managers at the hospital will be arranging extra training on the issues, with the help of a former British Airways trainer.

The sessions will focus on harassment and bullying in the workplace, and also on what legislation is available to protect staff from becoming victims - such as the UK's Dignity at Work Bill. However there was also good news for the hospital from the survey.

Responses showed that incidents of abuse or bullying from clients and patients had dramatically dropped from 34 people to just 13, following the Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare Trust's zero tolerance approach, which was introduced last year.

The approach warns hospital users that staff must be free from harassment and action will be taken against offenders.

In addition, employees themselves will also be provided with training in how to deal with such incidents should they arise.

Alison Dorey, divisional general manager for Family Services, said: "Although the results are generally lower than last year - where 29 per cent or 56 people reported incidents - it is still disappointing.

"We will continue to make staff aware of the bullying helpline, and we have also got someone coming in to the hospital to give training in the management of bullies."