Independent review into whistleblowing in the NHS

Sir Robert Francis, QC, is leading the review and Professor Norman Williams, former president of the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), is supporting him as medical advisor along with Professor Katherine Fenton OBE as nursing advisor and Dr Peter Homa CBE as NHS chief executive advisor.

Commenting on the launch of the review Miss Clare Marx, president of the RCS, said: “A culture of openness, trust and accountability within the NHS, where concerns can be raised and dealt with in a constructive manner, must be encouraged. We therefore welcome the launch of an independent review into whistleblowing. All staff have the responsibility to take early and effective action to address any issues before patient care is impacted. They must also report any genuine concerns and incidents through the normal channels but should not feel intimidated or have their careers jeopardised for escalating matters that fail to be addressed.

“The RCS has played a leading role on improving transparency in surgery so we are pleased that our former president, Professor Norman Williams, is part of the whistleblowing review team. In 2013 we published guidance to surgeons on raising concerns and we continue to stress that a doctor’s first duty must always be to patients. Later this year, additional outcomes for consultants will be published in a further drive towards transparency and raising standards in the NHS.”

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN has welcomed Sir Robert Francis’ call for evidence for his review into NHS whistleblowing. Dr Peter Carter, chief executive and general secretary of the RCN, said: “Too many health workers are still being subjected to intimidation when they speak out about problems in the NHS and this puts patient safety at risk. One-in-five nursing staff have told us that they have been bullied by managers. That is wholly unacceptable. Ensuring a culture of openness and transparency across the entire NHS is essential for improving standards of care.

“The review is an opportunity to consider how whistle blowers can best be supported and what practical solutions the NHS can implement. We hope that it will lead to positive changes for nursing staff and for patient care.”