The introduction of Guardians for Whistle-blowers in every Hospital Trust is a measure just called for by Sir Robert Francis after his investigations have shown that staff too often faced “bullying and being isolated” when they tried to speak out. Sir Robert, who led the public inquiry into Stafford Hospital , also said that a new national officer should be appointed to help the Guardians (I think they are deserving of Capitals?)
The government immediately accepted all his recommendations.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “If we don’t get the culture right we will never deliver the ambitions we have for the NHS.”
Hunt said he agreed with the proposals in principle, but would now consult on how best to implement them and added that legislation to ensure whistleblowers were not discriminated against when they went for other jobs would also be introduced.
Sir Robert’s Freedom to Speak Up Review took evidence from over 600 people about their experiences, while another 19,000 responded to an online survey.
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