Commenting on Sir Robert Francis report into whistleblowing in the NHS, UNISON head of health Christina McAnea said:
“The findings are damning but sadly not surprising. Whistleblowing policies can only be effective if concerns are taken seriously and investigated.
“UNISON raised the alarm about the culture of fear that exists in parts of the NHS years ago. Raising concerns should never cost workers their jobs or their health.
“It is wrong that health workers are being persecuted, ostracised and left to suffer in silence after they’ve spoken out. And it is also unacceptable that patients are suffering as a result.
“Training health workers to report concerns and be confident in doing so is vital if we want our NHS to continue to deliver quality care.
“But changing the culture and moving towards a no-blame environment cannot be achieved by ticking a box.
“Whistleblowers need help and support but the fact we still need them also means there remain fundamental issues to resolve within the NHS.”
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UNISON comments on Francis report into whistleblowing in the NHS
Nearly half a million UNISON members work in health care in the NHS and for organisations providing NHS services. We work to improve terms and conditions, highlight issues that will affect all workers, ensure workplaces are safe and challenge discrimination.
If you suspect unlawful activity at work, you may want to inform someone about it. UK law protects whistleblowers from unfair dismissal, or other detriment, as a result of having blown the whistle, as long as the disclosure is made to the right person, in the right way.
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