The RCP has welcomed new government plans to strengthen protection for NHS whistleblowers, following the findings of the independent panel inquiry into Gosport War Memorial Hospital.
While the Public Interest Disclosure Act provides some protection to whistleblowers, the RCP says it is in need of reform and is looking forward to working with the government to make sure people forced to disclose concerns in the public interest are fully protected.
The college said it was appalled by the finding that up to 656 patients died from lethal doses of opioids and sedative drugs given without justification, and that concerns of nurses in Gosport were not heeded. It believes that existing initiatives must be taken on board to make sure events like those at Gosport never happen again.
Recommendations from the RCP include:
- All organisations – whether a large teaching hospital or a small ‘cottage’ hospital – should ensure they have effective speaking up arrangements in place.
- Staff should follow General Medical Council guidance on how to raise concerns.
- Boards should consider NHS Improvement’s guidance and use the self-review tool to identify areas for development and improve the effectiveness of their leadership and governance.