NHS England recently published a national integrated whistleblowing policy that is hoped will standardise the way NHS organisations support staff who raise concerns.
Whistleblowing/raising concerns about risk, malpractice or wrongdoing which is believed to be compromising patient care, working conditions or calling into question the induction or training for staff is nothing new. Anyone who works (or has worked) in the NHS, or for an independent organisation that provides NHS services can raise concerns. This includes agency workers, temporary workers, students, volunteers and governors. It is expected that this policy (produced by NHS Improvement and NHS England) will be adopted by all NHS organisations in England as a minimum standard to help to normalise the raising of concerns for the benefit of all patients.
Pharmacy contractors are not NHS organisations, but provide NHS services. Under the terms of service, pharmacy contractors must ensure that there are arrangements (which must include a written policy) for ensuring that all staff and locums who, arising out of their employment with them are able to make what is a protected disclosure i.e. whistle blow / raise concerns. Pharmacy contractors should already have in place a whistleblowing policy but it is appropriate to review to reflect the updated NHS England guidance.
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