07.08.14
‘Call for evidence’ launched in NHS whistleblowing review
Sir Robert Francis QC, who led the two inquiries into poor care at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, has launched a ‘call for evidence’ for his independent review into whistleblowing in the health service.
The aim of the review, commissioned by health secretary Jeremy Hunt earlier this year, is to recommend how to best support staff who raise concerns in the NHS.
A website has been launched – freedomtospeakup.org.uk – allowing NHS staff to share their experience of raising concerns about where they work.
Sir Robert said: “I am honoured to be asked to undertake this review for the secretary of state for health. Those who speak up when things go wrong in the NHS should be welcomed for the information they bring and the contribution they can make to patient safety and the maintenance of public confidence in the service.
“Any NHS workers who believe they have information of this nature should feel they can fulfil their duty by speaking up without fear of reprisals or victimisation. Therefore I welcome the chance to look at the obstacles which many fear exist to prevent this happening; to identify measures that can be taken in the NHS to remove them; and to enable information offered in the public interest to be used effectively.”
He added that where those brave enough to speak out say they have been victimised, he will “look at what more can be done in future to remedy the wrongs that are done”.
The new website has asked for people to share personal experiences, ‘both good and bad’, and ideas on how to help develop a better culture of openness and honesty. The closing date for contributions is Wednesday 10 September.
Sir Robert added: “This review is not about deciding on past judgements and I realise that I am asking something quite difficult of people; that they tell me about their personal experiences of making disclosures in the public interest without me being able to do anything to resolve their individual cases.
“Nonetheless I hope that people will come forward to the review and share their views and experiences in order to help inform better practice in the future.”
As part of this work, the review will:
- Have regard to the role of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 provisions
- (as amended by subsequent legislation);
- Examine the interface between procedures for raising concerns and making disclosures in the public interest;
- Consider the merits and practicalities of independent mechanisms to resolve in a fair manner disputes in the NHS in England involving those who have raised concerns; and
- Consider policy options, so that where tribunals or courts find in favour of individual NHS workers who have raised concerns, arrangements are in place to support them in returning to employment in the health system.
The review will complete its work by the end of November 2014.
(Image c. David Jones/PA Archive/Press Association Images)
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