Officer To Review Whistleblowing

An independent national officer is to be appointed to review how cases of whistleblowing are handled in the NHS in Scotland.

The creation of the role follows the publication of a report for the UK Government on the treatment and experiences of whistleblowers earlier this year.

The Scottish Government said its Independent National Officer will provide an independent and external level of review'' on the handling of whistleblowing cases dealt with by NHS Scotland. It will be consulting on the details of the role and remit in the autumn this year.

The post is one of a number of measures being developed by the Scottish Government to support, encourage and promote whistleblowing.

Whistleblowing champions will also be introduced in each NHS Scotland board.

They will help to ensure that procedures within boards are working well to support staff in raising any concerns.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: It is very important that NHS workers feel they can raise any concerns they may have about patient safety and malpractice, because it helps to improve our health service.

I am confident that NHS Scotland has robust whistleblowing procedures in place but I want to go further and embed an honest and open reporting culture, where all staff have the confidence to speak up without fear, and with the knowledge that any genuine concern will be treated seriously and investigated properly.''