16.10.12
Speak Up
The new Speaking Up charter could see a turnaround in the confidence of NHS workers to report concerns about patient care or staff safety.
The fear of victimisation can hold back potential whistleblowers, which in turn damages trusts’ ability to provide high quality care, as well as a good environment for staff to work in.
So far, 28 healthcare organisations have signed up, and proponents of the charter are urging others to add their names to the commitment.
Of course in a perfect world, there would be no need for such a scheme. But pretending that there is nothing that needs to be reported or improved flies in the face of necessary innovation for the NHS.
Criticism is difficult to hear, and signing the pledge is akin to admitting that things go wrong. But they do, and they will continue to do so. This charter could be a step towards that world where such a scheme is truly unnecessary.
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