New report outlines measures to improve protection for NHS whistleblowers

A new report has been published that lays out a number of measures to provide greater legal protection to NHS workers who speak out about instances of poor care.

The review, spearheaded by Sir Robert Francis, has shed light on the actions that have been taken to help to make the NHS more transparent, safer and more compassionate since Sir Robert's previous inquiry into failings at the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Trust.

A number of recommendations have been made to drive further progress, including a consultation on financial sanctions for NHS bodies who do not comply with the duty of candour and a greater focus on transparency, particularly when it comes to scrutinising avoidable deaths.

Other proposals include a new complaints guide to help patients raise concerns about care and a consultation on updating the NHS Constitution to enshrine patients' rights.

The government has accepted in principle all of the recommendations, including proposed new legislation to protect whistleblowers who are applying for NHS jobs from discrimination by prospective employers.

Sir Robert said: "Most of these measures can be implemented by trusts now. Many of the steps I recommend are what good organisations are already doing. If these things are achieved, the NHS will be a better place to work."