Re: Whistleblowing: a word of warning from an unreasonable man
Dr Beerstecher’s letter raises important issues for doctors working in the NHS today which I am happy to be able to address.
The GMC’s current guidance, which has been updated a number of times since the 1992 version referred to, starts with the very simple principle that a doctor must make the care of patients their first concern. I think that’s a statement that we can all get behind and one which, whether we are deciding on treating a patient or blowing the whistle on unacceptable practices in the NHS, provides doctors with a solid foundation on which to make decisions. Because ultimately, when all is said and done, doctors are expected to both make decisions and be able to justify them.
We want whistleblowers in the health service to feel supported in raising concerns and much has been done in recent years to encourage that, from the duty of candour placed on employers following the Francis report to appointment of guardians to support and protect whistleblowers, along with the independent review by Sir Anthony Hooper commissioned by the GMC into referrals of whistle-blowers by employers.
I fully understand the anxiety that doctors could have over reporting concerns but it may help future patients, and we are here to work for patients.
Rapid Response:
Re: Whistleblowing: a word of warning from an unreasonable man
Dr Beerstecher’s letter raises important issues for doctors working in the NHS today which I am happy to be able to address.
The GMC’s current guidance, which has been updated a number of times since the 1992 version referred to, starts with the very simple principle that a doctor must make the care of patients their first concern. I think that’s a statement that we can all get behind and one which, whether we are deciding on treating a patient or blowing the whistle on unacceptable practices in the NHS, provides doctors with a solid foundation on which to make decisions. Because ultimately, when all is said and done, doctors are expected to both make decisions and be able to justify them.
We want whistleblowers in the health service to feel supported in raising concerns and much has been done in recent years to encourage that, from the duty of candour placed on employers following the Francis report to appointment of guardians to support and protect whistleblowers, along with the independent review by Sir Anthony Hooper commissioned by the GMC into referrals of whistle-blowers by employers.
I fully understand the anxiety that doctors could have over reporting concerns but it may help future patients, and we are here to work for patients.
Competing interests: No competing interests