Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Monday, 31 October 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 3 November 2011. It was answered by Anne Milton (Conservative) on Thursday, 3 November 2011 on behalf of the Department of Health.

NHS: Disclosure of Information

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent steps he has taken to protect whistle-blowers in the NHS from reprisal; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 provides protection in law for whistleblowers where they suffer detriment on the part of the employer or where the employer fails to take adequate steps after a concern is raised and the NHS constitution already includes a staff right to healthy and safe working conditions and an environment free from harassment, bullying or violence.On 18 October 2011, the Secretary of State for Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley), announced steps to highlight within the constitution:"an expectation that staff should raise concerns at the earliest opportunity;""a pledge that National Health Service organisations should support staff when raising concerns; and""clarity around the existing legal right for staff to raise concerns about safety, malpractice or other wrong doing without suffering any detriment."The changes, which follow a public consultation earlier this year, form part of a series of measures surrounding whistleblowing.

Secondary information