DAUK’s Dr David Nicholl says healthcare professionals should be able to raise concerns without fear to help create a safer NHS.
Dr Nicholl is encouraging Doctors’ Association UK (DAUK) members and supporters, as well as MPs and those with an interest in whistleblowing to attend events in Westminster as part of Whistleblower Awareness Week.
Whistleblowers UK has organised two events which may be of specific interest to DAUK members.
The first is titled Meet the whistleblowers: Exploring the issues and agreeing the solutions. It takes place from 1pm to 2.30pm on Wednesday 23 October.
The second is called Duty of candour and whistleblowing, and is being held from 10am to 11.30am on Thursday 24 October. Both events are in House of Lords Committee Room 4A.
These events will be an opportunity to meet people who have blown the whistle and hear how their experience changed their lives.
Lord Berkeley, vice chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Whistleblowing, will chair a discussion on the problems with existing legislation and why it does not work, what needs to change and why they support the Whistleblowing Bill.
Dr Nicholl said: “Being able to highlight concerns and wrongdoings in the NHS on matters of public interest is absolutely crucial to the service.
“Failings can affect patient care, staff safety, and cost the NHS huge sums of money in claims.
“The freedom to speak up for staff and patient safety is vital to achieving a just culture in the NHS.
“But despite the clear benefits of whistleblowing, all too often those who speak out do so in spite of the fear of reprisal from employers.
Independent Office for the Whistleblower
“This is why we need an Independent Office for the Whistleblower and reform of the law with the new Whistleblowing Bill.”
For more information about these events and to book a free place, click here.
Finally we would encourage DAUK members and supporters to contact their Members of Parliament to attend via https://www.writetothem.com
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