BMA warns hospital trusts against victimising whistleblowers

The BMA has issued new guidance for NHS staff with concerns, pointing out that employees who are victimised after raising concerns can bring an employment tribunal, resulting in potential heavy fines for their employers.

Whistleblowing is on the agenda of the BMA annual representative meeting this week, where a motion to be debated warns that failures at Mid Staffs are at risk of happening elsewhere.

‘Appalling’ and ‘shocking’ standards of care at Mid Staffordshire foundation trust, which led to some patients dying, were recently condemned in a Healthcare Commission report.

The BMA meeting will also consider another motion, which condemns bullying of staff who have spoken out.

According to a recent BMA survey, 70% of hospital doctors had raised concerns about issues relating to patient safety, malpractice or bullying at their trust. However, the outcome was often negative, with 46% unaware that anything had happened as a result, and 15% finding that their employment could be negatively affected.

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