Better support is needed for whistleblowers, say 60% of nurses in Scotland

Published: 23 April 2013

Six out of 10 nurses (60%) in Scotland believe that better support is needed for whistleblowers, according to a survey conducted for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).  The poll – conducted by ICM* – also revealed that just 30% of those surveyed believe their workplace has a good culture, where staff are listened to and concerns acted upon.

Commenting on these findings, RCN Scotland Director Theresa Fyffe said: “Despite all the rhetoric and noise about changing the culture of our NHS, it’s desperately worrying that less than a third of nurses think they would be listened to at work and that if they raised concerns, they would be acted on.  And because so few do feel confident, it’s more important than ever, for the safety of patients, that staff can, as a last resort, blow the whistle and be supported when they do, so it’s doubly worrying that six out of 10 nurses think better support is still need for whistleblowers.

“Nurses have a responsibility to raise their concerns if they see examples of poor care and all health boards have whistleblowing policies in place, but sadly, this survey shows that the majority of nurses think they will not be listened to if they do raise concerns. The Scottish Government recently launched the National Confidential Alert line for staff, which we hope will help nurses and all other staff feel safe to raise their concerns without fear of reprisal, but it would not be necessary if managers and health boards listened to staff and took action in a positive way, using their existing policies.”

ENDS

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Notes to editors

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the world’s largest professional organisation and trade union for nursing staff, with members in the NHS, independent and voluntary sectors. RCN Scotland promotes patient and nursing interests by campaigning on issues that affect our members, shaping national health policies, representing members on practice and employment issues and providing members with learning and development opportunities.  With around 39,000 members in Scotland, we are the voice of nursing.

Survey of 8,262 RCN members was carried out by ICM on behalf of the Royal College of Nursing between 20 March and 2 April 2013. A total of 792 RCN members in Scotland responded.

RCN members can call 0345 772 6300 if they have serious or immediate concerns about patient safety in their workplace, which local processes are unable to resolve.