5 yrs ago I was sexually harassed+assaulted while working as a nurse in the
#NHS
. It was covered up+the perpetrator was promoted. I had to protest outside Parliament to get an independent investigation. It’s been torture. Over the next 3 weeks my case may conclude. Watch me
I didn’t flunk my O levels, I got 10. I have 2 A levels. I have 3 nursing registrations+a degree in public health. But I whistleblew about a man who sexually harasses women in the
#NHS
+so now I am not welcome as a nurse. Our system is broken.
#OurNHSPeople
Just so the world is aware.. 2 days ago I received my final pay packet in
#NHS
. I now have no income. I whistleblew about a nurse who sexually assaulted me at work and has harassed and assaulted mothers of children he was nursing. Just so you know
@nmcnews
I reported sexual harassment by a colleague in the
#NHS
. I was asked 17 pages of questions he was asked 5. I was told I couldn’t speak to a counsellor or my GP he was offered one to one mentoring. I am not working he is
#ItsNotOK
After 405 days off the register following whistleblowing, I am back on! I cannot find the right words to say how much it means to me for this injustice to be corrected but today is my Christmas. Thank you to everyone who supported me x This has taught me to never give up!
7 years ago I was sexually harassed and assaulted by a nursing colleague in the workplace. I should never have had to go to the lengths I did to be heard or to protect others from his behaviour. I should have been supported and others protected. It has been literal hell.
My gift for
#InternationalWomensDay
Arrived home to this. All because I whistleblew about a colleague who sexually harassed and assaulted me, colleagues and members of the public in
#NHS
. I feel absolutely crap
21 000+ people liked my tweet and it’s been seen over a million times! So many DM’s, offers of support and kind words. Absolutely overwhelmed. Incredibly grateful. A tough couple of weeks coming up but when you hear the truth you will understand why I whistleblew ♥️
How on earth can the British public listen to that claptrap from our PM in the same briefing telling us to send our children back to school? We don’t believe you and we don’t trust you
@BorisJohnson
I’m not at work nursing because 4 1/2 years ago I spoke out+ refused to sign an NDA. I’m a triply qualified nurse with a public health degree, ITU +A+E experience. Speaking out in the
#NHS
comes with a heavy punishment. To all my friends/colleagues in the
#NHS
fighting
#COVID
ー19
Today I am monopolising on the fact I have had a
@JoanMcAlpine
retweet+a
@sophiescott
follow!I am a nurse. Sexually assaulted by a colleague in the
#NHS
. My union
@theRCN
told me I’d have to sign a lifelong NDA. I refused. I whistleblew+stood outside Parliament. I need support
6 1/2 yrs since I was sexually assaulted at work as a nurse in the
#NHS
. 6 1/2 yrs of pure hell trying to be heard, protect the public+my colleagues. Today is D day. Either the beginning or the end I don’t know which yet. Give me a thought please. I did this for us all ♥️
Been unwell post
#covid
and in hospital for last 8 days. This evening, I received this on the ward from a special friend. A first aid kit of hand made biscuits!Put a smile on my face ♥️
I was isolated from my colleagues for 4 yrs he was promoted. I lost my nursing registration he could still practice. I had to whistleblow he was protected. I was dumped by
@theRCN
for refusing to sign an NDA he had their support
@Jeremy_Hunt
@MattHancock
@vicderbyshire
#ItsNotOK
@greg_jenner
You know, I too have an Esmé. She is 16 now. She was a twin, I lost the twin at 10 weeks. But we have always said Esmé has the personality of two. Enjoy your Esmé, mine is an absolute joy x Congratulations
As a whistleblower nurse punished for speaking out I have no reason to celebrate
#InternationalNursesDay
But for all my colleagues whom I miss so much, it’s a day to send you my love and respect.♥️
After 5 yrs victimisation for speaking up abt sexual harassment in
#NHS
I’m crowdfunding to take my employer to tribunal. They don’t want me to tell you the full truth. He continues to pose a risk to the public+they want to hide it. Help me protect you
5 yrs ago I was sexually harassed and assaulted by a colleague while working in the
#NHS
as a nurse. It was covered up and he was promoted. I protested outside Parliament +got an independent investigation. It upheld all my allegations
@JeanHatchet
This is my union. As you know I reported a sexual assault by a male nurse colleague. It was covered up. I had to whistleblow. The
@theRCN
refused to represent me but continue to support the perpetrator despite knowing he’d assaulted a woman he was providing care for. Truth
You don’t get awards when you whistleblow in the
#NHS
. You don’t get much support from the profession. No one checks in on you to make sure you’re okay. I got the “black dog”. He’s hard work but he’s part of my everyday life now. And I did the right thing
#WorldMentalHealthDay
37 weeks today since I got
#COVID19
Have spent about 29 of those weeks in hospital/rehab. Tomorrow I am going home! What a strange variety of emotions I’m suddenly having…
#LongCovid
I am relieved to say I am now at a point of resolution.I have been heard my allegations upheld and the risk recognised. It has been torture, but it is over and I now have time to heal.This includes my return to the career I have loved for more than 30 years. That is my reward.
After 6 weeks of
#COVID19
2 hospital admissions+a heap of scary health problems I’m glad to be sitting in my bed at home for my birthday today! If I sit up straight I can see my neighbours waving to me from their balcony. Today they delivered cake +flowers..really lifted me ♥️
20 weeks ago I got
#COVID19
I’ve spent 40% of this time in hospital. Its been tough. I’ve been in over a month this time + diagnosed with
#POTS
. I’m currently bedbound. I used to be able to run 3 x a week. This week I’ll be moved to a nursing home.
#LongCovid
Trying 2b positive
2 wks after coming home from hospital with
#COVID19
I’ve now managed the stairs without help. Also I’ve managed a shower! The acrid smell in my nostril has improved🤞🏻🤞🏻left hand is improving each day. Little steps feel like positive achievements. Thank you Cleo for cheering me up
I am a nurse but I feel like a criminal. I spoke up about sexual harassment and have been victimised for 4 1/2 years. Watch me. I am being bullied by a system that doesn’t know how to be kind. I am Michelle Russell. Remember my name
#NHS
@MattHancock
@JessBakes_Well
My son who also has ASD also had a Chopper.He is now 20,at university doing an engineering degree and is just one of my very favourite people on earth 🌏
Currently finding it a lot more difficult to be quiet than to speak out...particularly as I see some of those who have persecuted me for reporting a sexual perpetrator in the
#NHS
singing their own praises for equality. Equality is not self serving or a part time agenda. Watch me
Minimising risk to others has always been my goal and whilst I recognise I cannot be responsible for that I feel satisfied I have tried my hardest. Everyone deserves to be safe whilst receiving nursing care and nobody should have to tolerate sexual harassment or assault at work.
This lengthy, difficult time is not just about the bad things that have happened, it’s about the good things I’ve missed. I would now like the time and chance to focus on the future. Thank you all so much Michelle Russell
I'm a nurse in the NHS sexually assaulted at work by a colleague +my employer has spent the last 2 years deliberating covering it up.During this I have been punished financially +emotionally.I have been banned from speaking to colleagues-they will b disciplined if they discuss it
To everyone who has been there for me over the years on Twitter Thank you. No bad feelings about anyone who’s tried their best to help me. So much love for all my nursing medical and NHS family. I’m trying to be brave
Today’s my birthday. Exactly a yr ago the trust chairman came to my home to tell me all my sexual harassment allegations had been upheld. He promised a full independent investigation into how it had been covered up by managers and HR. I’m still waiting
#ItsNotOk
#NHS
My name is Michelle Russell. I had to whistleblow to be heard in the NHS. I am a nurse with 30 years experience. My whistleblowing nightmare has shown me the very worst of leadership and some inspiring dynamic encouraging skills
#OurNHSPeople
At 00:09 this morning I was on the register “Currently Not practising”. At 05:30 I’d been deleted. Erased. My name has gone. 30 years today since I went on the register as RGN, today it’s as if I never existed as a nurse. All because I reported a sexual assault
@MattHancock
Delighted, excited (+at last righted) to be starting a new role tomorrow at NHSEngland-nurse adviser in the Children and Young Persons Transformation Programme Team
#TeamCNO
Proud to have an opportunity to shine. It’s been a while ❤️
@pyewoman
@CNOEngland
@rogerkline
To those colleagues who were courageous enough to stand alongside me. That was not easy.
To each person who has spent a moment of their day to think of me when I was lonely.
To the other women he hurt- I am sorry.
There are many people I wish to thank and for many reasons, some of those thanks will be conveyed privately.
Firstly to my family and friends. I apologise for my absence but thank you sincerely for your love and support.
To my legal team at Tim Johnson Law for your advice.
The more people I speak to, the more I am beginning to think there is an
#NHS
#metoo
moment waiting to erupt. NHS staff who harass and assault their colleagues are a risk to patients. Time for the
#NHS
to deal robustly with sexual perpetrators and those who cover up
Triply qualified nurse, unable to work in the
#NHS
during
#Covid19
pandemic because I whistleblew about a public safety issue, making masks to feel useful
@MattHancock
We need to talk about NHS whistleblowing
@Jeremy_Hunt
From today, guidance requires NHS staff to wear masks & outpatients wear face coverings.
Thank you to everyone stepping up to stamp out
#coronavirus
& protect our NHS.
To all those who contributed to my crowdfunding appeal-without you we would not be here today.
To those who never doubted me.
To those kind souls who have given me emotional support-it has helped sustain me.
To Ruth May CNO for your immense support and for listening to me when I stood outside the Houses of Parliament.
To Roger Kline-a man who has his heart and brain in the right places.
To a special someone on Twitter who I’ve never met but who sent me good wishes every day for 2 yrs
Went to a funeral today of a good man I’ve known for 36 yrs who died of
#COVID19
Socially distanced grieving is difficult+not being able to comfort people you care about feels wrong. But the story about the kindness from the nurse who supported his daughter say goodbye was a gift
Yes we need more nurses. But we have to get better at keeping the ones we already have. Tomorrow I have been off work for 5 years because I reported a sexual perpetrator. He can still work in the
#NHS
. He can look after patients in the pandemic and I can’t.
#ournhspeople
Dear comms dept of my trust. It’s okay that you monitor my social media activity, I saw in my SAR that it is reported back to an exec director. I don’t mind because I am a whistleblower so I speak out. But may I suggest you don’t accidentally like my post then delete it? I saw it
11 weeks of
#Covid19
and after another 12 day hospital stay I am going home! Thank you
@MSEHospitals
for literally getting me back on my feet. I am very grateful 🥳
While the coverup continues, the risk continues. A man who sexually harassed and assaulted me at work in the
#NHS
continues to practice. I have been off work for 5 years victimised for raising my concerns. All in plain site of the regulator and my union
#Whistleblowing
@sarah_searz
@nmcnews
After a “catastrophically flawed” trust investigation I campaigned outside Parliament.
@CNOEngland
saw me and started an independent investigation which upheld all my allegations. And highlighted other concerns from mothers.
@nmcnews
did not use that evidence in the hearing
I’m thinking of you+feeling so desperately guilty that speaking up has kept me from my patients. To my dear colleague, in hospital sick with
#COVID
ー19 ♥️+to the family of another colleague Tommy Harvey RIP. Take care, be safe and I am only half a person when I am not a nurse
4 years ago I reported that I was being sexually harassed by my colleague in the NHS. I wanted to prevent it happening to my co workers or the public. The unrelenting victimisation I have had to endure has cost me my registration. I try to be strong but I feel so rubbish
Next week I give evidence at my perpetrators NMC fitness to practice hearing. It’s taken 8 years.Thank you to everyone who supported me in my efforts to protect the public. Please keep me in mind. It’s going to be painful but it’s even harder to be brave alone.
This is no ordinary NHS chair. It’s my throne. Sat for an hour today first time in more than two months. A million thank yous to those who are helping me straighten my crown. Truly amazing HCA’s Nurses Physios
#PallMallGps
and others
@EPUTNHS
CICC
@SouthendCCG
#LongCovid
19 days left as a registered nurse.Cannot revalidate because I am still waiting for the outcome of an independent investigation into a sexual assault at work in
#NHS
.The ultimate punishment for reporting,I loose my job and livelihood
@MattHancock
@centreWJ
So much we are unable to say. So I’ll say it- he’s a childrens nurse and he’s been inappropriate with mothers of children he’s nursed. Cost me my job. Ask
@NELFT
or the
@nmcnews
@match_joe
@LibDemHealth
My MP
@amessd_southend
has been very supportive but the CEO lied to him then resigned. My union
@theRCN
told me I’d have to sign a lifelong NDA and then refused to represent me when I protested.
10 months today since I lost my nursing registration. I reported a colleague who sexually harassed and assaulted me. 30 year career down the chute. I spoke out to stop him hurting other people. This system is ludicrous. There is a kinder way.
#NHSPeoplePlan
Counting down to day 0
I have a small thing to say. Thank you
@emma_broadbent4
thank you
@Crouchendtiger7
thank you
@ShanleyOliver
And to everyone who has supported me get through almost 52 weeks off the register, it has been incredibly painful but there is now a plan 🌤
Today is 5 yrs since I last worked as a nurse. Triply qualified +I have a public health degree. Imagine playing critical matches with your experienced players on the bench
#Covid19UK
2 long on the bench so I’m no longer match fit. Given a red card for reporting sexual harassment
3 days left as a registered nurse. Off the register from Wednesday. I reported a sexual assault by a colleague at work in
#NHS
. 3 years of punishment. Not allowed to share the outcome of the independent investigation with my MP or
@nmcnews
.
#MeToo
@MattHancock
@daniellejade198
After I whistleblew my colleagues saw me on the
@vicderbyshire
show. They requested a meeting with managers. At this point the perpetrator had been promoted and was managing them despite
@NELFT
knowing of multiple concerns re his sexualised behaviours
Last week I lost my job as an
#NHS
nurse. The nurse who harassed and assaulted me continues to work as a children’s nurse. They have complaints of his inappropriate behaviour with mothers of children he was nursing. When did this become acceptable in healthcare? Pls retweet
‘I’ve been treated like the accused’: NHS nurse reveals 8 years of hell after raising sexual harassment claims
Huge thank you to
@MotherMRuss
for speaking out and telling her story - do not underestiamte how hard that is
After a time out-back to Twitter. Thank you for the DM’s+contact from many journalists. I have a lot to say, just not now. For every woman sexually harassed or assaulted I absolutely will not be quiet.For every NHS colleague bullied or victimised for raising a concern solidarity
NEW: ‘Treated like the accused’: Nurse’s 8 years of hell after raising harassment claims
Have been staggered by the way
@MotherMRuss
has been treated by the system
My new view! 21 wks after my 1st admission with
#COVID19
+after 7 wks in
@MSEHospitals
am now at rehab. I’m so excited.
#LongCovid
#POTS
I just saw a bird fly past-haven’t seen that for nearly 2 mnths! So grateful to have this chance to get back on my feet
@EPUTNHS
CICC
@clarepan
Amazingly, working in the
#NHS
has been the loneliest place in my dark days over the past 4 1/2 years. I’ve had such limited emotional support from the place it should be in adundance.
@Twitter
has been full of love and kindness. It’s been my lifeline
#OurNHSPeople
#BeKind
I have two gift bags stuffed with chocolate on the chair near my bed. I can’t reach them. Colleagues is this a legitimate reason to use the nurse call buzzer?
The biggest risk to patient safety is a system of NHS managers regulators and unions who cover up risk, enable harm and persecute healthcare professionals and patients who speak up
@Jeremy_Hunt
@MattHancock
#WorldPatientSafetyDay
Another manager, another concern. This 1 from a mother of someone in his care. “Not upheld” also not disclosed to the investigation. I’ve lost my job. 7 women have raised concerns that I know of
@rogerkline
@AnnKeen11
@Rebeccasmt
@NHSEnglandLDN
After a fewvery tough days (whistleblowing is no picnic) I want to just acknowledge the DM’s+messages of support. Thanks so much it really helps me focus+stay strong. It does feel lonely at times but there are some good people putting me back together
@tomgrimes20
@ShanleyOliver
Adrenaline and catecholamines my staple diet this past week and for the week coming.
#NHS
whistleblowing is a marathon affair. Lucky to live in a place that strokes my soul
I was a nurse. Triply qualified. Whistleblew in the public interest following sexual harassment by a colleague. I’ve lost my registration. He’s still able to work with the public. Didn’t deserve to loose my registration
@nmcnews
@theRCN
@Crouchendtiger7