New Whistleblowing Helpline launched for NHS staff

Date: 22/12/2011

NHS staff working in the social care sector have been urged to call a new 0800 number that has been launched in order to provide free, independent and confidential advice.

The Department of Health announced it Whistleblowing Helpline, which will operate on weekday between 08:00 and 18:00 GMT from January 1st.

In addition, there will be an out-of-hours answering service available at weekends and public holidays.

The free phone number is being provided by the Royal Mencap Society and is designed to give people the chance to speak up about poor service.

Mark Goldring, Mencap chief executive, said: "This initiative will give NHS staff and social care workers the confidence to report abuse or raise concerns about patient and service user safety without fear of victimisation or personal reprisal."

In October, the NHS Constitution announced new guidelines claiming employees who report bad practice will be protected, in a bid to encourage staff to come forward.