NHS institutes new whistleblowing policy

Medical professionals who blow the whistle will be protected under changes to the NHS constitution.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced this week that it is the duty of all NHS workers to report bad practice and those who do must be protected.

The changes will be enshrined in the NHS constitution and associated guidelines by early 2012 and will add clarity to the law surrounding whistle blowing.

Mr Lansley stated: "The first line of defence against bad practice are ... doctors and nurses.

"They need to know that they have a responsibility to raise concerns ... [and] they should be reassured that the government stands ... behind them."

Amendments to the NHS constitution will also include a specification that staff should raise concerns at the earliest opportunity, a pledge that NHS organisations should support staff when raising concerns and all concerns must be properly investigated.

The Social Partnership Forum has produced a guide to support NHS organisations to promote best practice when implementing whistleblowing policies.

NHS organisations must work in partnership with Trade Unions to embed good employment practice for tackling bullying, harassment and discrimination.

Published by Phil Hammond