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What are the new NMC whistleblower guidelines?

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The new head of the NHS in England has met with a group of patient safety campaigners to discuss what needs to happen next to change the NHS culture into one that encourages transparency.

The meeting follows the publication of new NHS whistleblower guidelines by the Nursing Midwifery Council (NMC).The new rules are intended to make clear the rights and responsibilities of NHS staff when it comes to whistleblowing, and provide additional resources for people who wish to raise concerns.

The new guidelines state that a person raising a concern should:

  • Take immediate action.
  • Protect client confidentiality.
  • Refer to their employer’s whistleblowing policy.
  • Keep an accurate record of the concerns and actions taken.

Normally, concerns should be raised internally, with a line manager or similar. If a person feels unable to speak with a line manager they can raise the concern with the designated person within the organisation, who will usually be named in the employer’s whistleblowing policy. If the person raising the concern still feels concerns have not been dealt with, they can approach someone more senior, such as a department manager or chief executive.

In some cases a person may feel unable to raise a concern internally or feel the concern has not been properly dealt with. In these cases the concern can be investigated by a regulatory organisation, such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Under the new guidelines concerns can also be raised through the NHS Whistleblowing Helpline.

If the above procedures have been exhausted, concerns can be raised externally, for example through the media or an MP. However, this would usually only be considered appropriate if there was clear evidence of first raising the concern internally or if the person was acting in the public interest.

Concerns at all levels can be raised verbally or in writing. The guidelines form part of the NMC’s campaign to ensure staff feel they can raise concerns easily and without fear of reprisals.

For more information on the new guidelines, or any other legal issues involving regulatory bodies, please contact David Edwards on 01772 258321 or David.Edwards@harrison-drury.com


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