GDC welcomes findings of new NHS whistleblowing report

The General Dental Council (GDC) has responded positively to the findings of Sir Robert Francis' new review into NHS whistleblowing.

Offering advice and recommendations to ensure that NHS staff feel safe to raise concerns about examples of poor performance, the Freedom to Speak Up report has had all of its recommendations accepted in principle by the government.

Proposals included financial sanctions for failing to comply the duty of candour, a greater focus on transparency and a new complaints guide to help patients bring up issues with their care.

The review also highlighted the GDC's 2013 annual survey of registrants, which asked dental professionals about their experiences of reporting poor standards.

Responding to the report, the GDC confirmed it is undertaking research to better understand the barriers dental professionals face when raising concerns in the workplace, with the aim of producing new guidance on the topic.

Evlynne Gilvarry, the GDC's chief executive and registrar, said: "It's vital that dental professionals feel able to raise concerns in order to ensure patients and colleagues are safe. We will carefully review the findings of the report and its recommendations."