Hospitals have been ordered to appoint “guardian angels” to support workers who raise issues of concern. Phil Brown knows first hand how difficult it can be to raise concerns over alleged wrongdoings. In 2005, he blew the whistle on failings in care given to residents of privately-owned Bamburgh Court Care Home, in South Shields. During a process, which lasted more than five years, the 58-year-old said he received a “mixed reception” from his fellow workers. The new support was called for after an investigation by Sir Robert Francis. He warned that too often staff faced “bullying and being isolated” when they tried to speak out. He also said a new national officer should be appointed to help the guardians.
But Mr Brown, of Leafield Crescent, in South Shields, who now works at Monkwearmouth Hospital, in Sunderland, doesn’t believe this move will make much difference.
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http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/crime/doubts-over-protection-for-nhs-whistle-blowers-1-7109616
A WHISTLE-BLOWER from South Tyneside says new laws to give fellow NHS workers more protection won’t work.
Filed under: Whistleblowing, guardians, Sir Robert Francis review, Whistleblowers
