Written question asked by David Kidney (Labour) on Thursday, 7 May 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 May 2009. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Monday, 18 May 2009 on behalf of the Department of Health.

NHS: Disclosure of Information

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will bring forward proposals to amend the law to increase levels of protection for whistleblowers in the NHS; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: We have already introduced legislation to protect whistleblowers. The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA) gives the full protection of the law to national health service staff who blow the whistle. The Department has made it clear that every NHS trust must have in place local policies and procedures that comply with the Act. The Government expect a climate of openness and dialogue in the NHS that encourages staff to feel able to raise concerns about health care matters sensibly and responsibly without fear of victimisation. The NHS Constitution published on 21 January 2009, also sets out how staff should have "protection from detriment in employment and the right not to be unfairly dismissed for 'whistleblowing' or reporting wrongdoing in the workplace."We have taken out a contract with the charity "Public Concern at Work" to provide a helpline that is manned by lawyers with expertise on whistleblowing law who can provide confidential advice and support to NHS staff.

Secondary information