Search the hub
Showing results for tags 'Whistleblowing'.
-
News Article
Urgent inquiry ordered into 'witch-hunt' at West Suffolk hospital
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
The government has ordered an urgent inquiry into the local hospital of the health secretary, Matt Hancock, after the Guardian revealed its unprecedented “witch-hunt” for a whistleblower. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has told NHS England to commission a “rapid review” of the actions of bosses at West Suffolk hospital. They are under fire for demanding that staff give fingerprints and samples of their handwriting to help identify who wrote to a family alerting them to failings in care that contributed to a patient’s death. Unusually, the investigation has been instigated by Edward Argar, a junior minister at the DHSC, because Hancock and another health minister, Jo Churchill, are both local MPs who have close ties to the hospital. Argar has made clear to NHS England that the inquiry must be undertaken by independent experts, given those existing relationships. Announcing the review, Argar made clear that he wanted hospital personnel to speak openly. “I want all staff to feel that they can speak up and have the confidence that anything they raise will be taken seriously,” he said. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 28 January 2020- Posted
-
- Whistleblowing
- Investigation
- (and 2 more)
-
News ArticleThe Care Quality Commission (CQC) missed multiple opportunities to identify abuse of patients at a privately run hospital and did not act on the concerns of its own members, an independent review has found. Bosses at the CQC have been criticised in an independent report by David Noble into why the regulator buried a critical report into Whorlton Hall hospital, in County Durham, in 2015. His report published today said the CQC was wrong not to make public concerns from one of its inspection teams in 2015. “The decision not to publish was wrong,” his report said, adding: “This was a missed opportunity to record a poorly performing independent mental health institution which CQC as the regulator, with the information available to it, should have identified at that time.” Read full story Source: The Independent, 22 January 2020
- Posted
-
- Private sector
- Patient harmed
- (and 5 more)
-
News ArticleHospital bosses have been accused of launching a witch hunt to find a whistleblower who told a widower about blunders in the treatment his wife received. The row emerged as an inquest began into the death of Susan Warby who died five weeks after bowel surgery. The 57-year-old died at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds after a series of complications in her treatment. Her family received an anonymous letter after her death highlighting errors in her surgery, the inquest in Ipswich heard, and both Suffolk Police and the hospital launched investigations. These investigations confirmed that there had been issues around an arterial line fitted to Ms Warby during surgery, Suffolk’s senior coroner Nigel Parsley said. Doctors were reportedly asked for fingerprints as part of the hospital’s investigation, with an official from trade union Unison describing the investigation as a “witch hunt” designed to identify the whistleblower who revealed the blunders. Read full story Source: The Independent, 17 January 2020
- Posted
-
- Patient death
- Whistleblowing
-
(and 2 more)
Tagged with:
-
News Article
Hospital in bullying claims did not monitor at-risk patients
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A hospital accused of bullying its staff is facing new claims that it failed to act on a leading doctor’s warning about a potentially fatal failure to monitor vulnerable patients, the Guardian newspaper can reveal. Dr Jonathan Boyle, the UK’s top vascular surgeon, had warned West Suffolk NHS trust that patients at risk of dying from burst aneurysms were not being safely monitored. An IT glitch meant that patients were not followed up to see how soon they would need potentially life-saving surgery. A doctor at the trust, however, says it initially repeatedly refused to take any action, raising further questions about its management. The trust initially suggested the problem was the result of senior doctors not keeping up with emails, but later accepted its IT systems were at fault. The hospital was forced to recognise that patients were potentially put at risk and took action only after a whistleblower alerted the NHS regulator. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 5 January 2020 -
Content ArticleIn a previous blog, 'What is a Whistleblower',[1] Hugh drew attention to negative perceptions of whistleblowers in the eyes of some people. A crossword and clues were published on the hub to emphasise how wrong such perceptions are and how damaging they can be, with serious patient safety implications.[2] This follow-up outlines the nature of the journey travelled by some NHS staff who have spoken up and the problems which still exist with NHS whistleblowing culture. It provides a link to an attached file which contains the answers to each clue. The attachment also shows the completed crossword in larger, easier-to-read, format than the small illustration in this blog. There is a further link to companion notes which expand on the answer to each clue. These notes contain more detail about the realities of speaking up. They reinforce the link between hostility towards those who speak up and an ongoing series of patient safety scandals.[7-21]
- Posted
-
1
-
- Whistleblowing
- Speaking up
- (and 7 more)
-
Content ArticleAre Employment Tribunals the right institution to handle whistleblowing cases? This report aims to open the debate by examining the evidence. A research team from the University of Greenwich analysed Employment Tribunal judgements in England and Wales, for cases that included a Public Interest Disclosure claim, between 2015 and 2018. A total of 603 cases were included in the analysis. Included in the study were only those cases that went to at least preliminary hearing. Cases that were withdrawn before preliminary hearing were discounted.
- Posted
-
- Whistleblowing
- Speaking up
- (and 3 more)
-
Content Article
A survivors guide to whistleblowing (19 January 2021)
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Whistle blowing
This blog asks: What is a whistleblower? Why do whistleblowers endure all forms of retaliation for the sake of truth? What does the whistleblower's cycle of abuse often look like? How to blow the whistle without blowing your career? What might non-disclosure agreements settlements include? What do whistleblowers say about whistleblowing? What can be done to protect whistleblowers?- Posted
-
- Whistleblowing
- Speaking up
- (and 3 more)
-
Content ArticleThis report published by the National Guardian’s Office shows the experience of Freedom to Speak Up Guardians amid the continued pressure of the pandemic on the healthcare sector. Although the majority of guardians who responded to the survey were positive about the culture of their organisation, the results highlight a decline in factors that make it easy for staff to speak up, including support from leadership.
- Posted
-
- Speaking up
- Whistleblowing
- (and 3 more)
-
Content ArticleThe rapid review was commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement, following concerns raised by staff at The Christie Hospital in relation to the Research & Innovation department. The review makes a number of recommendations and the Trust will be developing and action plan to address these.
- Posted
-
- Investigation
- Whistleblowing
-
(and 4 more)
Tagged with:
-
Content ArticleRaising a concern is not always easy, but it is the right thing to do. It is about safeguarding and protecting, as well as learning from a situation and making improvements. This guide by the Royal College of Nursing is to help nurses, nursing associates, students and healthcare support workers based in the NHS and independent sector.
- Posted
-
- Whistleblowing
- Nurse
-
(and 3 more)
Tagged with:
-
Content Article
Crossword counterpoint: glimpses of NHS whistleblowing terrain
Hugh Wilkins posted an article in Whistle blowing
This blog is prompted by a recent newspaper crossword in which one of the clues, quadruplicated, was 'Whistle-blower'. The four answers were, respectively, 'canary', 'snitch', 'telltale' and 'betrayer'. The blog draws attention to negative perceptions of whistleblowers in the eyes of some people. It emphasises how wrong these perceptions are and how damaging this can be, with serious patient safety implications. In this blog I provide a crossword counterpoint (attached below to solve), which seeks to support learning about the realities of hostility against some staff who speak up in the NHS. I will share a follow-up blog which contains the solution to this crossword and seeks to provide further education on this topic where there is so much confusion and misunderstanding.- Posted
-
2
-
- Whistleblowing
- Speaking up
- (and 8 more)
-
Content ArticlePeter Duffy’s first book 'Whistle in the Wind' detailed his whistleblowing to the Care Quality Commission and General Medical Council about deteriorating clinical and surgical standards in a National Health Service Trust in England. In Peter’s new book ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ he speaks about "the corrupt, disorientating and Orwellian world into which the vulnerable, naive and solitary whistleblower stumbles." What truth he speaks; in this sequel to his incredibly important exposure of whistleblowing retribution at Morecambe Bay’s NHS Trust he reveals the depths to which those trusted with IT services in the NHS will go to defame and smear an employee who dares to speak the truth. Peter’s courage and tenacity against those who have tried to destroy him provides valuable insight and a guiding light for all those who may find themselves in a similar position fighting toxic management in the NHS.
- Posted
-
- Whistleblowing
- Speaking up
-
(and 1 more)
Tagged with:
-
Content ArticleThe West Suffolk Review, commissioned by NHS England on behalf of the Department for Health and Social Care, was published last month. NHSE/I asked the West Suffolk Board to produce an action plan for the 28 January meeting of the Board of Directors. This paper summarises the current position in relation to the learning, reflection and response thus far, including the organisational development actions that have already been taken and require further embedding. It also highlights the engagement undertaken to date, and what more needs to happen, to ensure our plans are based on the priorities for staff, governors, patients and teams and can carry the confidence of stakeholders. The report, 'West Suffolk Review – organisational development plan (p. 217)', sets out nine broad themes of work, linked to the trust’s core functions, “that capture the priority areas for organisational and cultural development at WSFT in light of the learnings from the report”. The document sets out how the trust’s governance, freedom to speak up, HR, staff voice, patient safety and other parts of its corporate infrastructure failed and contributed to a scandal.
- Posted
-
- Investigation
- Staff factors
- (and 5 more)
-
Content ArticleThis study in BMJ Open considers how the usefulness of internal whistleblowing is affected by other institutional processes in healthcare organisations. The authors examine how the effectiveness of formal inquiries (in response to employees raising concerns) affects the utility of whistleblowing. The study used computer simulations to test the utility of several whistleblowing policies in a variety of organisational contexts. This study found that: organisational inefficiencies can have a negative impact on the benefits of speaking up about poor patient care where resources are limited and reviews less efficient, it can actually improve patient care if whistleblowing rates are limited including 'softer' mechanisms for reporting concerns (for example, peer to peer conversation) alongside whistleblowing policies, can overcome these organisational limitations.
- Posted
-
- Whistleblowing
- Communication
- (and 5 more)
-
Content Article
'Whistleblowing': a definition for reflection in Speak Up Month
Steve Turner posted an article in Whistle blowing
It's that time again. 'Speak Up Month' in the NHS. In this blog, I discuss the definition of 'whistelblowing' and why this is important. I believe that although the Francis Report has stimulated some positive changes, the only way to successfully move forward on this is to celebrate and promote genuine whistleblowers. This includes using the word 'whistleblowing', not a euphemism. It also needs us to involve everyone, including patients, in the changes. "Whistleblowing isn’t a problem to be solved or managed, it’s an opportunity to learn and improve. The more we move away for labelling and stereotyping the more we will learn. Regardless of our position, role or perceived status, we all need to address this much more openly and explicitly, in a spirit of truth and reconciliation." What is whistleblowing? "In the UK, NHS bodies have been guilty of muddying the waters. Sometimes implying that whistleblowers are people who fail to use the proper channels, or are troublemakers, especially when they go outside their organisation with their concerns. In fact, the Public Interest Disclosure Act makes no distinction between ‘internal’ and ‘external’ whistle-blowers..."- Posted
- 1 comment
-
- Accountability
- Bullying
- (and 15 more)
-
Content ArticleWhen good people raise serious concerns employers can welcome them as gold dust, as "canaries in the mine" or do the opposite. This is an unfinished account of what happened when Karen Rai, Strategic Research & Innovation Manager at The Christie Hospital NHS Trust, wrote to the Trust Chair setting out concerns about governance, financial conduct, and bullying...
- Posted
-
- Whistleblowing
- Organisational culture
-
(and 1 more)
Tagged with:
-
Content ArticleThis discussion paper, published in The Journal of Patient Safety and Risk Management, explores some of the opportunities which healthcare organisations could embrace to positively influence the effects of power and hierarchy on staff safety. The author concludes: "This exploration into how power and hierarchy influence both staff and patient safety has identified and briefly explored some of the tensions created by misplaced brand loyalty inherent within healthcare institutions, and the legacy of harms resulting."
- Posted
-
1
-
- Safety culture
- Whistleblowing
-
(and 4 more)
Tagged with:
-
Content ArticleThe importance of employee voice—speaking up and out about concerns—is widely recognised as fundamental to patient safety and quality of care. However, failures of voice continue to occur, often with disastrous consequences.
- Posted
-
- Whistleblowing
- Speaking up
- (and 5 more)
-
Content Article
West Suffolk Review (9 December 2021)
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Other reports and inquiries
Findings from an independent review, commissioned by NHS Improvement in February 2020, at the request of the Department for Health and Social Care, into the handling of whistleblowing at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.- Posted
-
- Investigation
- Whistleblowing
- (and 4 more)
-
Content Article
Special investigation: The voice of nursing on mute (1 December 2021)
Sam posted an article in Whistle blowing
The Nursing Times has carried out an investigation into nurses’ experiences of speaking out in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, revealing disturbing findings about the current state of openness in the NHS.- Posted
-
- Whistleblowing
- Speaking up
- (and 5 more)
-
Content Article
A case study in denial (Roger Kline, 3 February 2022)
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Culture
A recent highly critical NHSEI External Review of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust was prompted by whistleblowers. The Review was provided with detailed evidence that there were very significant (and distressing) problems with the Trust’s approach to race discrimination, bullying and the response when concerns were raised. The External Review (Paragraph 2.2.6.) states In this blog, Roger Kline considers whether the Trust’s own data supports the assertions in the Trust Chair’s email to staff in response to the Review. He considers how the NHSEI Review addressed the issues. He suggests that the Trust’s response; the shortcomings of the NHSEI Review response to the issue of race discrimination; and the NHSEI response to the Review once published mean that further scrutiny of the Trust and NHSEI’s response is required if staff are ever again to risk raise legitimate concerns in this Trust – or rely on NHSEI to support staff who do so.- Posted
-
- Organisational culture
- Whistleblowing
- (and 6 more)
-
Event
Scottish Speak Up Conference
Sam posted an event in Community Calendar
This conference is for staff involved in managing concerns in NHS Scotland, including the promotion, delivery, and use of the Whistleblowing Standards. The Independent National Whistleblowing Office are supporting the event. It will explore the legislative requirements around whistleblowing and the benefits of effective management of concerns. The programme concludes with a focus on what a healthy speak up culture looks like and how that can be delivered. The day will be chaired by John Sturrock, KC, and include a keynote presentation from Rosemary Agnew, the Independent National Whistleblowing Officer. It also brings together expert speakers from NHS Scotland, Scottish Government, trade union and academia with expertise in speaking up, culture change, quality, safety and candour. The programme will consider the Whistleblowing Standards since their launch in April 2021, as they approach their anticipated 3-year review. It offers an opportunity to share good practice, support ongoing improvements and promote an effective Speak Up culture that works from the bedside to the boardroom. Programme Register- Posted
-
- Speaking up
- Whistleblowing
-
(and 3 more)
Tagged with:
-
EventPart of Whistleblowers Awareness Week (WBUK). Aims and Objectives: 1. To engage MPs, organisations and policy makers in understanding the consequences of the victimisation of healthcare whistleblowers for patients and the public. 2. To help remove the stigma around the subject of whistleblowing. 3. To inform attendees of the benefits of change and how this links to the Protection for Whistleblowing Bill [HL] and an Office for the Whistleblower. 4. To provide information that will enable attendees to take practical, measurable steps to move the agenda forward and join in with the work of the APPG and WBUK. Speakers: Dr Jenny Vaughan OBE - Doctors’ Association U.K. Cathryn Watters RGN – Whistleblowers and regulation Steve Turner RMN – Patient experience Professor Emmanouil Nikolousis (online) – Cultures of fear Panel members: Mr Chris Day - CQC Director of Engagement Dr Chris Day Dr Chaand Nagpaul CBE Tom Grimes - NHS England Head of Advocacy and Learning (FTSU) Dr Jayne Chidgey-Clark - National Guardian for the NHS More information
- Posted
- 1 comment
-
- Whistleblowing
- Speaking up
-
(and 1 more)
Tagged with:
-
EventuntilWhistleblowing is barely out of the news. We cannot turn on the TV without a headline or plot that relies on whistleblowers and how badly they are treated. Think about our police, NHS, armed forces, media, banks, corporations - the list goes on... Whistleblowing is good for society and good for business. Whistleblowers are the most effective first line of defence against crime, corruption and cover up. Whistleblowing Awareness Week (WBAW) is an opportunity for MPs to understand how proposed legislation is key to driving a culture where speaking up is valued, and where people who try to silence whistleblowers or suppress evidence of wrongdoing face the full force of the law. WBAW will dispel the stigma and suspicion that overshadow whistleblowers. It will also set out how the Whistleblowing Bill developed by WhistleblowersUK for the APPG for Whistleblowing will transform the way that whistleblowers and whistleblowing are treated. See the events going on for WBAW
- Posted
-
- Whistleblowing
- Speaking up
-
(and 1 more)
Tagged with:
-
EventuntilBringing together a community of human factors in patient safety advocates across Ireland and abroad, the annual Human Factors in Patient Safety Conference will offer the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and insights from human factors experts. The conference will include contributions from: Martin Bromiley OBE, Founder of Clinical Human Factors Group UK – Listening Down to Develop your Safety Behaviours Mr Peter Duffy, Consultant Urologist – Whistle in the Wind: a Personal Exploration of the Consequences of Whistleblowing in Healthcare Professor Eva Doherty (Chair), Director of Human Factors in Patient Safety – The Irish Context, panel discussion Healthcare professionals can register for the event here. For more information, please email mschumanfactors@rcsi.ie.
- Posted
-
- Ireland
- Human factors
-
(and 3 more)
Tagged with: