NHS ‘whistle blowers’ face reprisals
A third of NHS workers who have “blown the whistle” on bad practice in the service have faced consequences for doing so, according to a new survey.
Unison reports that health workers are most frightened of raising concerns about unsafe staffing levels, government targets, waiting lists and bullying.
The results have prompted the union to call for clear policies to ensure staff can raise concerns about bad practice and patient safety without fear of some personal comeback.
The survey, which was carried out for the health union by the charity, Public Concern at Work, canvassed the opinion of over 2000 health workers including, nurses, midwives, cleaners and porters.
Worrying, it revealed that 30 per cent of staff felt that their employer would not want to be told of a major problem.
Further, Unison is concerned that 50 per cent of employees are not even sure if their Trust has a whistle blowing policy.
Karen Jennings, Unison’s Head of Health said, “It is simply appalling that staff say are victimized if they blow the whistle on bad practice in the NHS. This is dangerous thinking and Trusts are failing in their duty of care to patients and staff by burying their heads in the sand over this issue.”
“It is essential for staff to be able to raise concerns about standards of patient care or staff safety without the fear of reprisals. Employers must have clear whistle blowing policies open and easily accessible to everyone.”
The results are particularly worrying when set against the backdrop of Government efforts to tackle the issue.
Ms Jennings said, “it is clear that somewhere along the line, this information is not getting through. There is a reality gap between what the Government is trying to achieve and what is happening on the ground. NHS staff are trying to respond to central government policy but too many Trusts are not and this is simply unacceptable.”
