BMA warns trusts against victimising NHS whistle-blowers - 27 Jun 09

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The BMA issues new guidance today (Saturday 27 June, 2009) for doctors who are considering raising concerns about patient safety, or who face victimisation as a result.

It advises hospital doctors to err on the side of raising any concerns about malpractice or systemic failures, and to do it as soon as they can, rather than allowing the situation to reach a point where patient safety is threatened.

It points out that employees who are victimised after raising their concerns can bring an employment tribunal, and that their employers can be heavily fined.

The guidance is published ahead of the BMA Annual Representative Meeting next week, where whistle-blowing is high on the agenda. One motion, to be debated on Monday 29 June, warns that the tragic failures at Stafford Hospital are at risk of happening elsewhere. Another, scheduled for Wednesday 1 July, condemns the bullying of staff who have spoken out.

A recent BMA survey found that three quarters (74%) of hospital doctors have had concerns about issues relating to patient safety, malpractice or bullying over the course of their careers. Seven in ten (70%) had raised the issues at their trust, but their experiences had often been negative, for example because they were unaware that anything had happened as a result (46%) or their trusts had indicated that by speaking up, their employment could be negatively affected (15%).

Dr Tom Dolphin, Vice-Chairman of the BMA’s Junior Doctors’ Committee, says:
“No-one should be victimised for raising a concern. It often takes a huge amount of courage, but doctors have both a right and a duty to speak out, and they should know that support is available.”

Dr Jonathan Fielden, Chairman of the BMA’s Consultants’ Committee says:
“It is time for us to change the culture across the health service. We must all aim to root out poor practice, and enhance the quality of patient care and experience. All of us in authority should seek to listen and act on concerns. We need an open culture that condemns bullying and applauds those going that extra step to improve care.”

BMA members seeking support on whistle-blowing can access a dedicated service on 0300 123 1233.

View the guidance at: http://www.bma.org.uk/ethics/doctor_relationships/whistleblowing.jsp

View the full agenda for the BMA Annual Representative Meeting at:
http://www.bma.org.uk/images/ARMgenda2009_tcm41-187028.pdf

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