Whistleblowing: A report discusses a 'culture of fear' in the NHS

Since the appalling trial of an NHS nurse who was found guilty of murdering babies in her care, there have been a series of stories highlighting how whistleblowing in the health service needs urgent attention and reform. 

An article in the Independent claims that a leaked internal document speaks of a ‘culture of fear’ within the nursing regulator. The whistleblower claims that fear risks allowing staff who have been accused of assault or domestic abuse to continue working unchecked. 

Across health and social care – and many other sectors – there needs to be a culture change to ensure workers are listened to when they speak up and their whistleblowing concerns are acted upon. 

The public’s trust and that of staff depends on there being a trusted and respected whistleblowing service that not only acts on what they are told, but also guarantees that those who share what they know are protected with no negative consequences. 

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