Whistleblowing in primary care

NHS England has published its whistleblowing policy for the NHS in England (see Freedom to speak up: whistleblowing policy for the NHS)

Following recommendations by  Sir Robert Francis in Freedom to Speak Up guidance for primary care providers is being considered separately and is now available for consultation here: https://www.engage.england.nhs.uk/consultation/wwhistleblowing

The intention is that the guidance should be used by primary care organisations to review their policies and procedures on staff raising concerns about safety.

The policy sets out:

• who can raise a concern
• the process for raising a concern
• how the concern will be investigated
• what will be done with the findings of the investigation

The consultation is open until 6 May 2016 and the responses will help inform the final policy later this year.

From 1 April, NHS England is a ‘prescribed person’ under the Public Interest Disclosure Order 1999, meaning primary care service staff working at GP surgeries, opticians, pharmacies and dental practices, can raise concerns about inappropriate activity directly with NHS England.