NHS: Disclosure of Information

(asked on 21st May 2020) - View Source

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the protocols in relation to whistle-blowing in the NHS; and what plans they have to issue new guidance to prevent the victimisation of employees in the health and care sectors, including those employed by private companies, who highlight any unsafe, inadequate, inefficient or potentially corrupt practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Answered by
Lord Bethell Portrait
Lord Bethell
This question was answered on 2nd June 2020

Speaking up is vital for ensuring patient safety and quality services and should be routine business in the National Health Service. As set out in the NHS Freedom to Speak Up policy, anyone in the NHS who wishes to raise a concern can do so through their line management, or lead clinician. If they do not feel comfortable doing so, they can raise concerns through their Freedom to Speak Up Guardian or outside their organisation, for example through the Care Quality Commission. Those seeking guidance on how to raise a concern can call the Speak Up Direct helpline.

More broadly, whistle-blowers play an important role in bringing to light wrongdoing in the workplace. The Employment Rights Act 1996, amended by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, gives legal protection to workers who speak up. The legislation is intended to build openness and trust by ensuring that workers who hold their employers to account are treated fairly.

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