SCOTLAND’S health secretary has announced plans to appoint dedicated whistleblowing champions for health boards.
Jeane Freeman spoke of her plans to help staff come forward amid concerns over bullying at some boards and a whistleblower resignation.
Speaking at the SNP conference, she said: “Our NHS can only flourish when everyone who works in it feels confident they can raise their voice. That they will be free to speak and they will be heard. If there are shortcomings our frontline staff should be the first to see or hear them.
“So let me be clear. If there is anyone in our health service who is feeling bullied or harassed I take that very seriously and I want you to come forward.
“But speaking up about bullying or intimidation can be hard to do. You worry that you might be ignored or your concerns dismissed. You worry there might be repercussions on you.”
She said steps have been put in place but pledged to go further.
“I will personally appoint each board’s whistleblowing champion. If any one of these dedicated professionals feels they are not being heard in their boards, they can come straight to me.”
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