Kinmen Hospital accused of workplace bullying; nurse's husband claims he was reported as spy

A nurse at Kinmen Hospital has come forward with allegations of severe workplace bullying, claiming the harassment has caused her to lose 34 kilograms and develop depression. The nurse, identified as Ms. Lai, who has worked at the hospital for five years, stated that her head nurse repeatedly obstructed her requests for leave, which were necessary for caring for her stroke-affected father and accompanying her child for medical treatment.

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This is opposing the hospital, not suitable.

Ms. Lai's husband, an active-duty soldier, alleges that after he inquired about the bullying complaint, he was maliciously reported as a "spy" and subjected to an investigation. He also claims his wife was punished for taking her family to China during her leave without prior notification, a requirement he suggests may be questionable. He further stated that 17 nurses in the outpatient department had previously signed a petition to replace the head nurse, but the hospital allegedly pressured them, deeming their actions as opposing the hospital's interests.

Taiwanese labor unions have criticized Kinmen Hospital, a facility under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, for alleged labor law violations. They argue that despite government funding for nursing-friendly workplaces, the hospital's actions demonstrate a disregard for labor regulations, potentially impacting local healthcare services. The union president emphasized the need for the ministry to strengthen oversight and protect nursing staff and the public.

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The Medical Affairs Foundation's statement is not true.

Conversely, the Medical Affairs Foundation under the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that investigations into the bullying claims found them to be unsubstantiated. They also indicated that the head nurse involved has been reassigned. Regarding Ms. Lai's leave, the foundation claimed she had not completed the necessary procedures, and the family care leave was ultimately arranged by the human resources department to prevent her from being marked absent. The hospital's human resources director added that hospital staff are required to report travel to mainland China according to internal regulations, a rule that a legislator questioned for potentially infringing on freedom of movement.

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The hospital's internal rules may raise concerns about restricting citizens' freedom of residence and movement, and their proportionality needs to be assessed.