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Posted by Richard Saunders

An independent whistleblowing watchdog could be set up by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition in a bid to help nurses and doctors lift the lid on hospital malpractice if their concerns are not addressed.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley made the announcement, noting that a cultural shift in the NHS could make it easier for members of staff to emphasise any failings, potentially necessary following the Staffordshire nursing standards scandal.

Here, between 400 and 1,200 patients died as a result of poor care between 2005 and 2009 which, as Mr Lansley observed, was down to a "culture of fear" at Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.

This was what allowed concerns to go on "unchallenged and undetected for so long".

It comes after the Social Partnership Forum produced a guide to help NHS organisations promote best practice in terms of auditing, implementing and devising whistleblowing procedures and policies, advising them that it is essential they work together with trade unions.

13/10/2010 12:50