A new free phone hotline service has been launched for NHS staff and employers to report inadequate patient care on New Year’s Day by the Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.
The new helpline number is 08000 724 725. The service is being provided by the Royal Mencap Society but funded by the public purse. The service will operate weekdays between 08.00-18.00, and an out of hour’s answering service will be available weekends and public holidays.
"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,” the Health Secretary said.
This initiative is part of the wider government efforts to improve patient care and ensure standards are being maintained. Earlier, the government introduced new contractual obligations for NHS staff and employers to report inadequate or inappropriate care as and when they become aware of it.
A similar web-based whistleblowing service is also being developed, with further details to be announced in due course. “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," Lansley added. ""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.”