Lansley launches free whistleblowing helpline service
NHS and social care staff who have concerns about patient care will be able to access a new, free whistleblowing helpline from the 1 January
NHS and social care staff who have concerns about patient care will be able to access a new, free whistleblowing helpline from the 1 January, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said today.
The launch means that, for the first time, the helpline will be available to staff and employers in the social care sector, as well as the NHS, via a now-free phone service.
The free whistleblowing helpline is funded by the government and is part of the government’s drive to tackle poor practice. This is in addition to the introduction of a contractual duty to raise concerns, which will be enshrined in the new NHS Constitution.
Andrew Lansley said:
“Staff on the frontline know when patient services need to improve. That’s why staff who blow the whistle are crucial in helping to raise standards, and we’re determined to support them.
“Making it easier for staff to challenge the institutional power of organisations is a key factor in preventing, identifying and tackling pockets of culturally poor practice. That’s why we’ve created a helpline service for concerned staff, which, from 1 January, will be completely free and available to those in the NHS and social care sector.
“This will play an important role in creating a culture where staff will be able to raise genuine concerns in good faith, without fear of reprisal.”
A similar web-based whistleblowing service is also being developed, with further details to be announced in due course.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. From 01 January 2012, the new helpline number will be 08000 724 725. Provided by the Royal Mencap Society, the service will operate weekdays between 08.00-18.00, and an out of hours answering service will be available weekends and public holidays.
2. For further information, contact the Department of Health Press Office on 020 7210 5211.