Whistleblowing in the NHS

The Department of Health today launched an independent review into whistleblowing in the NHS.  Sir Robert Francis, QC, is leading the review and Professor Norman Williams, former President of the RCS, is supporting him as Medical Advisor along with Professor Katherine Fenton OBE as Nursing Advisor and Dr Peter Homa CBE as NHS Chief Executive Advisor.

Commenting on the launch of the review Miss Clare Marx, President of the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), said:

“A culture of openness, trust and accountability within the NHS, where concerns can be raised and dealt with in a constructive manner, must be encouraged.  We therefore welcome today’s launch of an independent review into whistleblowing.

“All staff have the responsibility to take early and effective action to address any issues before patient care is impacted.  They must also report any genuine concerns and incidents through the normal channels but should not feel intimidated or have their careers jeopardised for escalating  matters that fail to be addressed.

“The RCS has played a leading role on improving transparency in surgery so we are pleased that our former President, Professor Norman Williams, is part of the whistleblowing review team.  In 2013 we published guidance to surgeons on raising concerns and we continue to stress that a doctor’s first duty must always be to patients.  Later this year, additional outcomes for consultants will be published in a further drive towards transparency and raising standards in the NHS.”

To share your experiences, both good and bad, visit Freedom to speak up

For more information on the review, visit: Whistleblowing in the NHS: independent review