NHS whistleblowers still facing problems

Campaigners say that problems persist with NHS staff speaking out, despite a drive to bring about a more open culture.

A key recommendation of the Stafford Hospital scandal public enquiry was the promotion of whistleblowing.

Patients First have warned that a “culture of fear” still exists, despite a number of steps being taken in England.

The dossier, being handed in by Patients First to an independent review of whistleblowing, highlights problems like mismanagement of complaints and bullying. The review was set up by the Department of Health in England is being headed up by Sir Robert Francis, who led the Stafford public enquiry.

Nearly 50% of the whistleblowing cases are still continuing, but according to Patients First, all had suffered loss either personally, financially or professionally. In nearly 80% of cases, the whistleblower had experienced bullying and in 20% of cases, the person was unable to access legal advice or had run out of money.

The document concluded that there was a “real and continuing problem over the treatment of those who raise concerns”.

Patients First chairwoman Dr Kim Holt said “There has not been any real progress. I have been shocked by the number of people who come to us who are having problems. For me, bullying is the major issue.

“We need to get employers to take this seriously and implement the policies they have to give whistleblowers proper support. That is the only way of changing this.”

Health Secretary Jeremy Vine said “We have come a long way since the tragic events at Mid Staffs but we still hear of cases where staff concerns are being ignored.

“That’s why I asked Sir Robert Francis to lead this review, and help create a more open culture in the NHS.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk ), Medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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