The Shipman Inquiry and Whistleblowing in the NHS
The Shipman Inquiry into the case of Dr Harold Shipman, the General Practitioner who murdered large numbers of his patients, examined whistleblowing as part of its overall inquiry into learning the lessons from this tragedy.
Public Concern at Work gave written evidence, provided oral testimony and participated in seminars during the Shipman Inquiry’s examination of whistleblowing. Our evidence dealt with the background to Public Concern at Work, a discussion about how PIDA works, developments in the NHS on whistleblowing in the past decade, and reforms that maybe needed.
Public Concern at Work’s written submission to The Shipman Inquiry can be viewed by clicking here and our oral testimony by clicking here.
The Shipman Inquiry’s Fifth Report recognised the considerable progress the NHS had made in promoting a culture that encourages whistleblowing and accountability, but also recognised that more needs to be done. It strongly recommended that all GPs should promote whistleblowing and ensure that their staff know how to raise concerns about patient safety. The Report also suggested ways in which PIDA might be amended to encourage medical staff to raise concerns. Dame Janet Smith, the Inquiry Chair, spoke about this in our 2005 ethics lecture.
The full text of the Shipman Inquiry’s Fifth Report on whistleblowing and complaints against doctors can be viewed here and the Inquiry’s recommendations on whistleblowing in the NHS can be viewed here.
Public Concern at Work’s press release on the Shipman Inquiry’s recommendations can be viewed by clicking here.